British Association of Ski Patrollers

Sunday afternoon and Monday had a lectures on Recco and Disability snowsports, delegates were inside and outside viewing the facilities.

Disabled Ski school, thay have a policy of allowing any and all, no matter age or disability to ski. They also want it to be the same cost as for a non disabled person. What is really neat is that they allow the skier to do as much themselves as possible.

Jeff Starkey trying out the kit used by the disabled skiers
This is a ski cart, it is driven using the upper body, but can be adapted to allow varying levels of control £5000 a pop

The itallians, they make oranage look really good

Monday Report

Started off this morning early breakfast at 07:30. followed at 8 by an introduction from the Australian Ski Patrol. Then we dissapeared down the Tram line to the Holiday Club in the town centre for a series of lectures on avalanche techniques, search recovery and care of casualties, this will lead into a day on the mountain tomorrow following this up and expanding on it.

Interesting part was the actual shifting of the snow once casualty located. It is remarkable how organisation can help here, bringing the recovery time down quite markedly.This afternoon was continued by the Aussies with explanation of their extended care plans and courses. This covers detail where you cannot immediately move the casualty to a medical centre or hospital, but have to care for the casualty for an extended time.They also are looking into methods to ensure the ski patrollers look after their own backs by reducing lifting requirements.

Finally the formal day ended with a demo of a medical evacuation of an injured skier making use of a Qvick Splint.During the day there are useful demonstrations by various manufacturers of equipment and clothing that could be of interest to ski patrol.

This evening we are being joined by members of the Swedish Ski patrol SLAO for dinner.

posted by BASP @ 11:04 AM