The Canadian Ski Patrol is seeking fresh volunteers to assist at the Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park in Brookvale this winter. The team is responsible for providing initial aid at the ski park and various events throughout the province, such as the upcoming P.E.I. Marathon.
Carol Le Maistre-Matthys, the recruitment head for the P.E.I. chapter of the Canadian Ski Patrol, highlighted their role in offering immediate first aid to stabilize life-threatening injuries and safely transport individuals to further medical assistance. Despite the modest size of the Brookvale ski hill, the Island’s patrol squad is robust, comprising around 40 members with varying experience levels, some having dedicated over three decades to the organization.
Diverse individuals join the team, with the only prerequisites being the ability to use sports equipment like skis, snowboards, or snowshoes, and respond to patients, as the patrol provides comprehensive first-aid training. Training involves approximately 60 hours of in-class sessions and 45 hours of online modules covering patient assessment, basic anatomy, splinting techniques, and chair lift evacuations. Additionally, volunteers will be equipped to handle large-scale emergencies and mass-casualty incidents at events with significant crowds.
Prospective volunteers will undergo an assessment of their skiing and snowboarding skills, although expertise is not mandatory for participation. The organization offers lessons and skill enhancement programs, allowing volunteers to patrol smaller areas until they feel confident on the slopes. The initial training session is scheduled for Saturday, October 18 at Brookvale Alpine Lodge, with registration available on-site on the day of training.