OEC SouthBay 2015 Is A Go

As most of you know, we've had light interest this year in OEC classes across Northern California.   Some have attributed this to the recent poor snow years, others to some resorts focusing on current team training & not taking candidate classes this year.

As a result, we've had to make some unprecedented tough decision to consolidate classes.  The net is that there will be two OEC classes in NorCal this year - one in Truckee (David Stepner's 2 week Intensive class) and one in Sunnyvale (OEC SouthBay's class).

To register for the Sunnyvale class, following the instructions on the Registration link above.

Looking forward to a great class this year.

Fall 2015 Class

OEC Southbay 2015 is quickly approaching.  Here are some preliminary details for candidates & instructors:

- Preliminary syllabus, schedule, and location is posted on the tab above.

- Guidance on preparing for the course is on the "Course Materials" tab above.  Be sure to give it a close read and get started on the items noted there.

- Details on how to register are on the tab "Registration Fees & Information"

One note for this year's class - which I understand is common with many of the Fall OEC courses across Northern California - registration is low.  Some have speculated that his may be because of the recent poor snow years or perhaps because some resorts are focusing on training existing teams and not taking candidate classes this year.  In any case, we will need at least 5 candidates to run the Southbay class this year.  Thus if you are a candidate, or know of interested candidates, email me right away so we can get an accurate picture of what we are working with.

Thanks all and looking forward to another great class this year.

Outdoor Emergency Care on Flipboard

For grins, I created a custom magazine on Flipboard on Outdoor Emergency Care. You're probably familiar with Flipboard , a (primarily) tablet app which enables viewers to browse subjects of interest as "magazines".  Some of these are curated by the Flipboard staff, others by individuals on topics of their own interest.  I did the latter for OEC.   I've got a few articles there now, and as I run across articles of interest/relevance, I will be adding them to this "magazine".

Have a look at the link below.  Best viewed on a tablet, but also viewable by web.  Let me know what you think.  I've sent this to a few folks and feedback to date is positive.   My thinking is to get some initial commentary on this, and then develop a contributor network to provide crowd-sourced content of interest.

Link here: http://flip.it/9cPvK

Happy Holidays

CONGRATULATIONS NEW PATROLLERS!

When we started our class this last summer, we said one thing - train hard so game day is easy.  And you all did just that - committing countless hours at class, studying, and practicing.  And you didn't just succeed, you excelled!

Speaking for the entire instructor crew, a huge congratulations to each and every one of you.  You did a great job.

Also a huge thanks to the all the patrollers who helped out with this year's class - those that helped at class, as well as those behind the scenes.  You are the people that made this class what it was and we could not have done it without you.

So all of you - patrollers new & old - take a moment to pat yourself on the back for a job well done.    ...and then check CMS.

See you all at the celebration BBQ next weekend.

Final press for the final exam

Great job all on the Written Final.  Now the final press for the Practical Final.  As we discussed in class, keep these in mind:

You've all trained hard.  You're ready.  Let's go crush it.

Interesting Article on Scene Safety: What Does Scene Safety Really Mean?

Interesting article on EMS1.com re: scene safety and the continued diligence we must each maintain.  Link to article here.