Канадский горнолыжный патруль: история и современность

The Canadian Ski Patrol (French: Patrouille canadienne de ski) is a national, non profit, registered charitable organization that is volunteer based and provides advanced first aid and emergency response services at more than 230 ski resorts and Nordic centres, as well as hundreds of recreational and sporting events across Canada. The Canadian Ski Patrol (CSP) has more than 4,500 registered members

In 1940, Dr. Douglas Ernest Firth was asked by the Canadian Amateur Ski Association (CASA) to organize and train a first aid rescue team to patrol the ski resorts in the Toronto area. It was from this request that the Canadian Ski Patrol System (CSPS) was formed as a standing committee of the CASA with independent patrols in different areas. During the years between 1941 and 1948, the Second World War restricted expansion, but the Toronto area and Montreal area ski patrols united to form the nucleus of a national organization. During the next few years, the system expanded in Ontario, Quebec, and the Vancouver area. In the 1960s, following a dramatic increase in the popularity of skiing as a family sport, the services provided by the CSPS were in great demand. Registration grew to more than 650 certified members, providing services in Quebec, the Lakehead area (now Thunder Bay, Ontario), Winnipeg, Calgary and Edmonton, in addition to the original central (Ontario and Montreal) regions. In 1961, the CSPS became an accredited national charity, thereby gaining independence from the CASA. Today, the head office remains in the same location, with three full time staff members who manage day to day business operations. In 2013, the name of the CSPS was officially changed to the Canadian Ski Patrol (CSP), and the current logo with a red leaf and a white cross was adopted.

All ski patrollers are required to complete initial certification or recertify annually in an advanced first aid course, which includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillation (AED), oxygen therapy, and WHMIS training. Following successful completion or recertification of their training, each member is certified in advanced first aid and rescue procedures as an advanced first aid responder. This training and certification are both recognized by the federal government. The initial certification course is a minimum of 60 hours, while annual recertification courses are a minimum of 16 hours. Successful completion of a certification course also requires successful completion of written, skills, diagnostic and CPR/AED testing. The advanced first aid and CPR certification provided by the CSP is recognized by most workplace safety agencies across Canada.

Members participating in alpine and Nordic disciplines are required to maintain their on snow certification, which consists of being able to demonstrate intermediate level skiing or snowboarding skills, the ability to properly and safely handle a toboggan, with and without being loaded with a patient, and effectively manage an accident scene. During on snow training, patrollers are often introduced to local protocols, which might differ from those used in other ski resorts. Recertification is required every 3 years, although many zones rectify their members annually during recruit training. Some areas also accept patrollers who are on foot or snowshoeing. Indeed, any significant incident that occurs within a ski resort, such as a multi casualty incident or major avalanche, requires multi agency response in order to ensure a safe and effective rescue operation. At some resorts, patrollers also provide lift evacuation services when needed, mostly as assistance to mountain operations teams. Members of the CSP typically perform an opening sweep before the official opening of the resort for the general public in order to mark possible hazards and close areas deemed inappropriate for recreational skiing and snowboarding. At the end of the day, patrollers will ride the last chair and perform a closing sweep to ensure all patrons are off the hill. the Toronto Ride to Conquer Cancer, and the Toronto OneWalk to Conquer Cancer.

Every year, the CSP collectively organizes special events related to the promotion of ski safety. While some events are organized at the national level, others, such as support nights and dinners, are planned locally by individual ski resort patrols or zones. Nationally, on the third of February, annually, is held the Canadian Ski Patrol Day, celebrated within ski resorts across the country. The AdventureSmart program partners with the CSP to teach the basics of avalanche rescue.

The CSP also participates in research by providing information regarding skiing injuries in Canada.