NSP Patroller Pathway Explorer
Can you be a ski patroller without taking the full OEC course?
This is a common question with a nuanced answer. This interactive guide will help you understand the requirements. The most important distinction to grasp is between the OEC **course** and OEC **certification**.
Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC)
The goal of the OEC Program is to instill knowledge and skills to become an NSP member or refresh current members in relating to handling complex situations involving decision making, problem management and leadership.
If you are interested in working to become an NSP member or become a stronger, more confident patroller you should join the OEC program. The program is designed to help you build upon your skills related to: problem and patient assessment, resource management, OEC skills, transportation considerations, and finally leadership in terms of communication skills, the ability to direct others, and confidence.
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OEC Refresher
The OEC Refresher is an annual requirement for all National Ski Patrol (NSP) patrollers to maintain their OEC certification and active status. This refresher, often delivered through a workbook and online modules, aims to keep patrollers' knowledge and skills current with the latest in outdoor emergency care.
An Analysis of National Ski Patrol Membership and the Outdoor Emergency Care Credentialing Requirement
The National Ski Patrol (NSP) has established a robust and highly standardized educational framework to ensure that its members can provide competent and consistent emergency care in challenging outdoor environments. At the absolute center of this framework is the Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) program.