OUTDOOR EMERGENCY CARE

A sequenced, competency-based 110 hour education program, with certification issued by the National Ski Patrol (NSP), this course prepares candidates without previous first aid training to handle the emergency care problems seen in the outdoor sports and guiding industry. The knowledge and skills learned are oriented toward an outdoor setting, with special emphasis on ski and snowboard injuries, high altitude and cold weather illness, wilderness extrications, and the special equipment first-aiders need for emergency care and transportation in the outdoor environment. Students are required to participate in comprehensive lessons with skill and scenario application; complete various study book exercises online; take a final written exam; and demonstrate their skills and knowledge in final scenarios.

A BLS Responder (formally CPR-HCP) course which covers the use of an Automated External Defibrillation (AED) is included in the course schedule and cost. The AED content provides knowledge of how the heart works, what goes wrong when defibrillation is required and teaches when and how to safely operate an AED.

Upon successful completion of the exam the candidate will receive the Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) technician certification and a BLS Responder (formally CPR-HCP) ticket. The courses are widely recognized in the outdoor community and will provide the participants with the certification required to gain entry into ski patrolling and/or guiding.

  •   Pre-requisites: none
  •   Pre-reading:20+ Hours current OEC text
  •   Course Cost: $1075 CDN includes online classroom and in person outdoor traning formats as well as the 6th edition OEC textbook. In addition, national affiliate membership dues and a course fee, of $60 USD each, will be payable directly to the National Ski Patrol prior to the start of the course.

Our Guarantee

We understand that different people learn in different ways and at different speeds. In order to ensure the success of our students, we offer the following guarantee:

If the student should fail the Outdoor Emergency Care practical exam, the student can attend additional scheduled sessions within six months at no cost and be examined again. The cost for this re-examination is $100. If the student should fail the Outdoor Emergency Care written exam, the student can schedule a second written exam at the cost of $50. Should the second examination, in either case, also result in failure, the candidate must undergo and pay for a full course of instruction prior to being eligible for another examination.

Please note: Failure to maintain an annual associate membership with the National Ski Patrol (NSP) suspends the OEC first aid certification until dues are paid.

Pacific Alpine Institute
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