Announcements & Messages
October 10, 2008
From:
National Ski Patrol [mailto:timw@nsp.org]
RE:
NSP Annual Patroller Education Conference
The 2009 Patroller Education Conference (formerly Powderfall), which takes place April 15-17 in Snowbird, Utah, is taking shape and promises to be a world-class educational opportunity for all patrollers--volunteer and pro. Click here to view or download a flyer about the event.
September 2, 2008
From: Donna McGraw - Easter Division Administrator
RE: Members Requested to Update Their Records
To try to ease the National office through the
registration period, a couple of items would help if they were done as soon as
possible:
- Having patrollers go into the National website, to their personal page, and
make any necessary changes, i.e.: addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.
Last name changes (marriage) need to be sent directly to the National Office.
- Having the Patrol Representative/Director go into the National website (log
into Member Services, then to My Bookshelf, then into Downloads). Download the
Reclassification Change form, make necessary patroller status changes then fax
(1-800-222-4754) or email Cheri Overton (coverton@nsp.org)
at the National office.
August 22, 2008
From: Rick Hamlin - Eastern Division Director
RE: 2008 OEC Refresher Guide Mailing & Instructor Guide Corrections
1. The 2008 OEC Refresher Study Guide will be mailed the week of Sept. 1. It will be inserted in the summer issue of Ski Patrol Magazine. The Refresher Study Guide is also currently available for download from www.nsp.org should Ski Patrol Magazine and the RSG not arrive before your scheduled refresher.
July 7, 2008
From: NSP Board
RE: Dues Increase
The NSP Board has approved a member dues increase for only the second time in 19 years. The increase will benefit NSP educational programming, support the reorganization of the association after its split with PSIA/AASI, and address inflation and the rising cost of doing business. A FAQ sheet on the dues restructuring is available under “member services” at www.nsp.org. As a result of questions we've received, additional information regarding the dues increase in relation to the national office software upgrade can be found under “member services” at www.nsp.org.
What is the new dues structure?
Beginning July 1, 2008, national member dues will increase $6 per member, from $35 to $41. Members will see the increase on their 2008/09 season renewals. In addition, a restructuring of Pro Division dues was announced on May 14. More information about the Pro Division dues structure is available under “member services” at www.nsp.org.
March 4, 2008
Geff Dennee, TSP Patrol Leader / S&T Coordinator
RE: Announcements & Thank You
I would like to cover some items of interest.
First, I would like to congratulate the S&T candidates who passed their evaluations on Sunday. Dave Whiteaway, Lawrence Puchio, Jeff Lamarch, and junior candidates Eric Schicho and Thomas Shaw all passed with flying colors. Jeff, Eric and Thomas stated that they will be enrolled in the OEC modules this fall. As highlighted in Walt's last email, Dave and Lawrence are now joining the ranks of the TSP as patrollers, and Katherine will serve as an auxiliary. They all invested a great deal of time and energy into accomplishing their goals. Again, congrats to all. And to think that we actually have two junior ski patrol boarders on our roster. Gnarly.
Second, I would like to thank my fellow S&T instructors for their dedication and focus. Jim Shaw, Jim Morrison and Tom Campbell fully committed themselves to ensuring an instructional and well-structured program. While that may sound somewhat wordy, they really did do an excellent job. And for those few remaining patrollers who have not gone through the S&T evaluation --we'll be meeting with you sometime this week -- it really is a good thing -- really.
Third, I would like to express my gratitude to the 50th anniversary committee. They put an incredible amount of time and energy into coordinating this event. Emails, meetings, phone calls and assorted communications with Tog's management defines only part of their associated responsibilities. To bring that many retired patrollers, and current members, into one room is, in and of itself, quite a feat. But to combine that with an exhaustive video display and a really good meal, was quite remarkable. A huge thank you to Moira and her crew (Eve Tordoff, Jeff Paston, Hume Laidman, Tom Buckley, Paul Steiner and the big guy, here's.................. Phil). Great teamwork!!!
Fourth, I would also like to thank to Cindy Hoalcraft for making the two cakes for the party, which were not only delicious, but beautifully decorated. Awesome work, Cindy.
March 4, 2008
Walt Shepard, TSP Secretary / OEC Coordinator
RE: Congratulations
Congratulations to Catherine Catranis, Larry Puccio, and Dave Whiteaway for passing their OEC course “On the Hill” tests. Both Dave and Larry are now qualified as full patrollers and Catherine is qualified as an auxiliary patroller.
Congratulations to our “Mentoring OEC Instructors” John Bellardini, Tom Campbell, Jim Shaw, and Brian Wengert on their elevation to “OEC Instructor”. They made presentations last Sunday in the Top Shack demonstrating their ability to teach up to the standards set by NSP. They were evaluated by Noel Rios. They presented a sampling of what to expect to two of next year’s OEC candidates.
January 16, 2008
Rick Hamlin, Eastern Division Director
RE: NSP BOD Meeting Summary
I am finally catching up after coming back from Denver earlier in the week. The meeting went very well. Some of the highlights included: Click Here
January 16, 2008
From Tim White NSP Executive Director
Re: Registration Cards
As you know, your national office is being challenged by the turn over of experienced staff, an antiquated software system, and the non-uniformity of the registration process. With that said, we are processing registrations in the order in which they are received. At this time we are app. 3 weeks behind. Not surprisingly we are receiving many calls from members about the whereabouts of their cards. Unfortunately the inquiries slow the process down even further. In an effort to help members who urgently need a card we have been forwarding the attached letter as an interim measure. I request your help by disseminating information down line to your regional registration people to advise them of the situation and to encourage them to use the letter as needed. Please accept my apologies. I can assure you Cheri and the staff are working as hard as possible to correct the situation both in the short and long term.
December 21, 2007
From: Geff Dennee
December 21, 2007
From: NSP
RE: Member Survey
The national office has been working hard to construct an important survey of the NSP membership. The survey is comprised of targeted questions about member demographics and about your relationship with the NSP. We now need your participation in order to capture valuable data about you-our members--so that we can better serve and understand you.
The most recent survey information about NSP members was collected a decade ago, so it's very important that we get as much participation as possible to gain a clear picture of NSP today. The survey can be found at the link below. It's easy and takes only 5-10 minutes. Again, each question will provide targeted information about our membership, and completing the survey will provide an invaluable service.
To access the survey, click on the link below or copy and paste it into your browser.
http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB227AAX4GPJ4
December 10, 2007
From: Geff Dennee
RE: Blood Bourne Pathogens
There are two folders in the patrol room that contain sign off forms for the Blood Born Pathogen class that was presented by Mr. Blair. Could you make sure to sign the form, if you attended, and move the form to the 'completed/signed' folder? We are working on another class for those who missed the first one. Beau is aiming for the same day as one of the MA's presentations. These are listed on the patrol's web site. When a meeting date/time is scheduled, an announcement will follow.
December 10, 2007
From: Geff Dennee
RE: Election
It is with great pleasure that I announce that Jim Morrison has been elected as the new assistant patrol leader. Jim's dedication and enthusiasm will greatly enhance the board of directors. I have utmost confidence in Jim abilities and know that he will represent the patrol in a professional and efficient manner. Congrats, Jim!
From: Geff Dennee
RE: Operationn
Tog will reopen on Wednesday, December 12, running on a normal schedule for the rest of the season.
December 5, 2007
From NSP
RE: Board of Directors Election Results
NSP members have elected four new members to the NSP Board of Directors. Congratulations to Lisa Adams, Jim Decker, Larry Stone, and Bill Kirksey! Each has been elected to a three-year term on the board. 26,976 NSP members were eligible to vote. 2,788 members, or 10.34% cast a valid ballot. Below is a table of the votes cast per candidate
November 23, 2007
From: Geff Dennee
RE: Benefits & Election
The 2007-2008 patrol roster has been forwarded to Toggenburg management. Any applicable benefits can now be utilized, ie. season passes.
This is also a reminder that I need nominations for the APL position that is now open.
November 12, 2007
From: Geff Dennee
RE: New Patrol Leader & Special Election
With the resignation of Rich Tordoff from his Patrol Leader’s position and my movement to that spot, an Assistant Patrol Leader (APL) position is now vacant. According to the patrol's by-laws, a special election will take place to fill the open APL position which runs through the Spring Membership Meeting in April of 2008. Nominations will be accepted until midnight, Sunday, November 18th, 2007. The names of nominees will be forwarded through the TSP list serve and an electronic election will take place afterwards. A patrol member, that is not on the board, will tally the votes. This contact will be forwarded with the names of the nominees.
If anyone has any questions about the position, or questions in general, please call me at home (607)749-2943 or on my cell (315)374-3722. Work numbers are (315)634-6311 or (607)644-0025 ext. 7350.
I look forward to working as your patrol leader. Feel free to contact me whenever you would like. Maintaining the position at a level carried by Rich will be quite difficult, but with a dynamic group on the board and the professionalism showed throughout the organization, the transition should be mostly seamless. My thanks go out to Rich for his dedication and direction. I will greatly miss his wit and wisdom at the board of director's meetings.
October 8, 2007
From: Noel Rios
RE: Want To Be An NSP Instructor?
Take the Instructor Development course at your own pace,
in the privacy of your own home (or local library). You will need the following;
Instructer Development CD, #535 ($49.50), & text #502 ($19.50).
If interested contact; Noel Rios, nrios@twcny.rr.com or 315 692-4165.
October 4, 2007
From: NSP
RE: Frostbite Treatment
This bulletin is in follow-up to the "OEC ALERT!" that was released on September 20, 2007 regarding the administration of ibuprofen to frostbite patients.
The treatment in question appears on page 425 in the OEC 4th edition as follows, "Offer ibuprofen 400 mg (two of the nonprescription tablets) twice daily if it is available." The treatment also appears on the 2007 OEC Refresher Course Cycle-C poster for treating deep frostbite.
The current recommendation from the National Ski Patrol is that patrollers should not administer any medications, including ibuprofen, unless the practice falls within a patrol's mountain's medical protocols and is in compliance with the state laws and regulations governing prehospital providers administering medication.
The National office is currently working with the National Association of State Emergency Medical Services Officials (NASEMSO) to determine how many states allow first responders / ski patrollers to administer medications, including over-the-counter medications, to patients.
September 26, 2007
From: Stephen Simi, Far West Div Director
RE: NSP Educational Program Offering Announcement
The Far West Division, a sub-division of the NSP, sponsors the Tri-Advisory Event annually. This event, rich in history, is growing in popularity and attendance. The event centers around Avalanche, Mountian Travel/Rescue, and Nordic program disciplines; with a touch of back-country medical OEC tossed in. This note is an offer for all NSP members (across the country) to attend. Last year we had two program supervisors from the Eastern Division attend the events. Our web page http://www.farwest.org/?page=Tri-Advisory/index has all the registration information. Karl P. Chulski, MTR Supervisor, lists an awesome line-up of speakers. For information on these speakers, visit visit the Far West web-page above. This event is held in a beautiful part of the country - Yosemite!! So look at your schedule and join us for a fun and enriching educational event!!
September 20, 2007
FROM: Ed McNamara, OEC Program Director
Denis Meade, Education Director
RE: OEC Refresher Course Cycle-C Content Deletion
It has come to our attention that the current OEC Refresher Study Guide (Cycle C 2007) contains two treatments that are not part of the OEC course. As a result, please delete these treatments from your lesson plans / posters and inform students not to attempt either treatment.
Neither treatment is found in the OEC 4th ed. text, nor included in the current OEC training curriculum or considered an accepted practice / standard of care within the emergency medicine community. As such, their use is not advocated by NSP or OEC instructors.
Please inform your students of this deletion during your OEC Refresher Courses and tell them NOT to attempt this treatment.
We apologize for this editorial oversight and for any confusion it may have caused.
September 17, 2007
NSP Board Elections will run from October 15-December 1, 2007. With this election our Board of Directors will reach its full size and, for the first time in NSP history, will be comprised solely of members who have been elected directly by the NSP membership.
Four Board seats are open, and the applications and platform statements of 16 candidates have been posted at nsp.org. Please take the time to review them by logging into
https://www.nsp.org/nsp2002/member_services_template.asp?go=h and clicking on "member news" once on the member area of the site. If you need to access your member ID or password, please click the "activate your account" link on the log in page and enter your six-digit National ID Number and last name.For the first time, elections will be conducted 100 percent electronically using Votenet, an e-ballot voting system that will improve efficiency and security. Members MUST have a valid email address registered with the National Office in order to vote. If you are aware of any fellow NSP member who doesn't have an email address, please encourage them to set up an email account. Information on various options for establishing a free email account that's accessible from any computer with Internet access can be found here.
http://www.nsp.org/1/nsp/home/documents/Setting-Up-Free-Email.pdfWe urge you to read the candidate information posted at nsp.org and make history by casting your vote beginning Oct. 15.
Sincerely,
The NSP Staff
July 23 NSP Election Process Goes 100% Electronic
July 16 Date for Song Mountain refresher changed to October 27, 2007. (Joe Procopio)