National Ski Patrol expands membership to include EMTs, wilderness first responders

By Sarah Roebuck
FireRescue1

LAKEWOOD, Colo. — For the first time, the National Ski Patrol (NSP), an organization dedicated to safety and rescue education in the outdoor industry, will open its doors to active patrollers who hold first responder credentials, such as EMTs and Wilderness First Responders (WFRs), the organization announced.

This move allows these professionals to join the NSP without needing certification from the organization’s signature Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) course. Qualified EMTs and WFRs can now join as associate patrol members, the organization said.

The NSP’s OEC program, developed in the 1980s, has been the standard for ski patrollers operating in challenging environments, the organization said. Over the decades, the course has evolved, incorporating the latest medical knowledge and best practices. Despite the expansion in membership criteria, the OEC certification remains a cornerstone of NSP’s training, but this new pathway acknowledges other first responder certifications that meet high standards of care.

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“We recognize the areas our members serve have widely varying needs and hiring practices. This new membership class offers NSP membership to more working patrollers across the country,” said Stephanie Cox, CEO of National Ski Patrol.

Cox also emphasized the mutual benefits of this expansion, noting that while first responders can gain from NSP’s educational programs, NSP can also learn from their diverse experiences. This exchange of knowledge and skills is vital as the organization strives to keep its training programs relevant and impactful, Cox said.

Patrol leaders interested in joining can contact NSP directly at memberservices@nsp.org to enroll as an associate patrol. Members can participate in benefits such as professional development opportunities, community events, training forums, international exchanges and discounts on gear.

With over 85 years of experience in ski safety and education, NSP said it has a membership of more than 30,000 patrollers across 630 patrols in the U.S., along with affiliations in Canada, Europe and Asia. NSP members, whether full-time employees or part-time volunteers, are united by their dedication to safety and are well-trained in both medical and emergency services. The organization also extends its reach beyond the winter season, including bike patrollers among its ranks to promote safety year-round.