Final Exam Pictures

A small set of pictures from the final practical exam here.

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 I'm thrilled to say that every single one of you passed the tests this week - a 100% pass rate for our class!! 

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 tomorrow afternoon.

Class Celebration BBQ

Peter Mu has organized an awesome event to help us all celebrate our work and success over the past months.  His note below.  Hope you can all make it.

Hello fellow Patrollers and Patrollers-to-be,

Congrats again to EVERYONE in the class for successfully passing the written final exam yesterday.  What an exciting evening.  I am so proud to be part of this community.

To all the patrollers, this community would not exist if not for the contributions of all the patrollers like you who volunteer their spare time to educate the students and carry on the tradition for NSP.  After backboard sunday and seeing many of you getting backboarded over and over, dragged over rocks, bandaged on your face, carried and sometimes dropped, out of bushes…many of us students are very moved and inspired by your dedication.

Please join us this Sunday for a lunch BBQ in the park to celebrate all the amazing things that have emerged from this class.  May the conclusion of this course mark the beginning of adventures, friendships, and many great things to come!

Location:

Sunnyvale Baylands Park

999 E Caribbean Dr, Sunnyvale, CA 94089

37° 24.742', -121° 59.991'

Time: 12-2pm.

Bring: yourself.  Sorry, no pets allowed.  Children and other family most welcome.

Please RSVP so i can plan ahead.

See ya all there!

PETER MU
408-520-1518
Peter.Mu@gmail.com

Congratulations & Next (Final) Step

Congratulations to all the candidates for passing the written test.  A tough test and you all did very well.

Now to look forward to the next, final, step - the practical exam this Saturday.  In preparation:

- As we have discussed, at tomorrow night's class we will review the exam protocol in detail.  Answer questions, etc. and ensure everyone is ready for what they will see when they get to the exam Saturday.

- I'd then like to do some backboard work as well as review the O2 & airway adjunct skill stations.  We can then do several quick scenarios, answer questions, or work on any topic of your interest.  Please bring helmets & ski boots, plus side-zip ski pants or the like.

- I'm still waiting to hear back on our exact arrival time at the final exam site.  For now, count of things starting at 8.  As we discussed, best practice is to plan to arrive 45 mins-1 hour ahead in case you get lost, and to give some warm-up time.  Also, I'd like to huddle with everyone 15 mins before the event start for some final words.

That's all for now.  More tomorrow night at (our final) class...

The Final Week of Class...

As we discussed, here's the plan for this coming week:

- Tuesday is the Written Final Exam.  At 7PM I'll pass out the written final.  100 questions, multiple choice.  Candidates can take as much time as they'd like to complete the exam (but not past 10PM).  As each candidate finishes, they'll hand the exam in to me, and then move to another part of the building for practice, questions, etc. in prep for the practical final.  Patrollers will show up around 8:30 to assist.

- Thursday we will do two things:  We'll first review the final practical exam protocol in detail.  Discuss and answer any questions.  When complete, we'll then have an open practice session where we can focus on anything that any individual candidate or group of candidates would like to practice or discuss.  Patrollers will show up at the usual time (7PM) to hear the protocol and thereby be able to give on-point advice for the practical final.

As for the practice sessions, I want to continue to keep the pressure up on bandaging & splinting mechanics, but also do several backboards to ensure we're crisp on execution.  You all have put a tremendous amount of work into this.  Now's the time to put the final polish on it and be ready to demonstrate your skills. As said in athletics, now's the time to peak for the game.  Focus.  Final crunch.

Written Study Material

As most of your know, Dennis Yang has put the final exam test bank questions into the Quizlet application.  It makes a great study tool.  His note below:

Hey everyone..

I finished putting all of the OEC Final Questions into a flashcard program:

http://quizlet.com/29785932/flashcards

You can either study these online, or they have an app for iPhone (I'm not sure about Android) -- once you install it, if you search for "OEC Final 2013" you should be able to get to it.

Also -- when studying, if you click on the "Shuffle" button, it'll mix them up.

Happy Studying!

Saturday Practice Update

Excellent practice yesterday.  We covered a broad variety of splints, backboards, and scenarios.  We spent 5 hours.  Credit to the students who attended and thanks to the patrollers who helped.

I encourage everyone to keep up the practice.  1 week to go until the final!

Saturday Practice

As we discussed in class, we'll hold Saturday's practice at 1PM.  Same location = NetApp Java7.

Once again, I encourage all of you to attend/take advantage of one of these extra-class sessions.

Mass Casualty Night - Looking for Volunteers

This Thursday is a special night.  Mass Casualty night is an opportunity for students to "bring it all together" to apply all they've learned in assessment and treatment to a broad variety of situations in what can be challenging conditions.  It's a highlight for the class.

We're looking for 30+ volunteers to help.  These volunteers would be the "patients" for the simulation.  Here's how it works - while the students are hearing a lecture in backcountry ski patrol skills, we take the volunteer patients aside, brief them on their injury(ies), and place them around the room which has been configured as if a significant disaster has taken place.  When ready, we start with the students triaging the patients and then treating each as is necessary, taking them to safety, and working until the room is clear.

For the patients, it's quite a fun event - they get to have some fun acting, see what you've been up to for the last 12 weeks, and perhaps learn a little bit as well.

The more patients, the better.  So, contact your friends, colleagues, etc. and recruit them to help out.  We'll need them from 7PM to appx. 10PM.  While we'll do this indoors, they should wear old clothes.

Location is the same as our class: NetApp, Sunnyvale.  Directions here.

Sign up sheet located here.

Practice, Practice, Practice

We have several extra-class practice sessions upcoming.  Great opportunity to practice skills, try variants, and discuss specific questions.

Highly encourage all of you to attend as many as possible.

Attached pic is from tonight's session. Curtis looks thrilled, ahey?

Scenario Observations - Tips & Areas to Work On

Here are the slides we used in class to discuss some commonalities/areas to work on that we've observed in recent scenarios.  Slides located here.  Have a look and given them some thought/practice.

This Weekend's Written Final Practice Exam

Final exam 2 from 2011, located here.  Be ready to discuss in class.

Final Written Exam Study - Exam for Review Next Week

Next week, we'll review Final Exam 1 from 2012.  View/download it here.  Good luck.

Upcoming Events

As we discussed in class, we have two important upcoming events:

1. Pediatric Assessment Practice – Nov. 5 – Bring kids.  Will do pediatric assessments first @ 7PM

2. Mass Casualty Event – Nov. 7 – Bring your friends.  Lots of them.  Looking for 30 people. 7PM to 9PM.  You can use the sign up sheet here.

Recruit your friends, kids, friend's kids, etc.!

Midterm Feedback

Good review of the midterm scenarios in class.  Here's the slide we used that summarized the commonalities we observed.

Final Written Exam Study

As we discussed in class, it's time to start ramping up effort on the upcoming final written exam.  As we also discussed, one of the best ways to study is to take past written exams.  I've located a set of and posted here.

To this end, we'll pick one exam to take each weekend, and then review in class the following Tuesday.  For this week, let's do the 2011-2012 Exam 1, posted here.

Good luck!

Special Guest Lecture: Dr. Jeff Croke, MD

As I mentioned in class, I am thrilled that Dr. Jeff Croke will be our guest speaker tonight, Oct. 10.  As you can see, Jeff is a highly accomplished physician AND ski patrolman.  Jeff has prepared some remarks for us, and then will take questions.  Get your questions ready!

Practice Session

Jimmy Rios is organizing a practice session this Wednesday. 7:00PM at his work: Lifesafety, Inc.  Address is: 1876 Hartog San Jose Ca.  Contact Jimmy with any questions.

Backboard Sunday Complete!

Great event this past weekend.  A huge thanks to the patrollers, friends, and kids who helped out.  Some pictures from the event here, including:

Looking forward, we have a few more skills to learn, and then training for more complex injuries & medical conditions and special patient populations.  And of course, lots of practice.

Midterm & Backboard Sunday - This Weekend

As we've discussed several times:

The midterm will be this Saturday, Oct. 5.  Start is 9AM.  Looking to wrap up by 2PM.  Bring your own patient for the morning session, plus boots & helmet.  Also, bring along a snack for yourself.

Sunday is backboard training.  Coffee at 7:30, and prompt start at 8AM.   Wear old clothes, bring kneepads, and be prepared to get dirty.  Dave R. is organizing lunch and would appreciate a $5 donation.  Plan on the event going all day, wrapping up around 5PM.

Location is the same - NetApp Java7 building.  See you all this weekend.

Past Final Exams

I've located & posted the final exams from the past two years.  As we discussed in class, I've found this one of the best ways to study for the written final.  The exams are located here.

Plan for Next Week, Midterm & Backboard Sunday Preparation, Studying Guidance

As we discussed in class last night, a few updates re: next week:

- We'll meet both Tuesday and Thursday night:

          >On Tuesday, we'll cover Spine anatomy & injuries and do more scenarios.  We'll also cover some introductory slides re: Backboard Sunday.

          >On Thursday, we'll cover Traumatic Brain Injury.  We'll also cover Helmet removal.  PLEASE BRING YOUR HELMET.

- For the weekend of Oct 5 & 6:

         > Saturday is midterm day.  We'll start at 9AM and you'll demonstrate & be evaluated on every bandage, splint, & airway adjunct you've learned.  You'll also demonstrate boot & helmet removal.  Bring your boots & helmet and don't forget to BRING YOUR PATIENT (as well as your camera for great social media pics).  This should take about 2 hours.  Saturday afternoon, we'll do a select set of scenarios on which you'll be graded per the final exam protocols.   We should wrap up around 2PM.  Bring your own lunch or snacks.

         > Sunday is Backboard Sunday.  Coffee at 7:30 and start promptly at 8:00.  We'll cover techniques in the AM and then do a variety of backboard scenarios in the afternoon.  Dave R. is arranging lunch.  The day will go through 4-5PM.

- Finally, as we discussed in class, the best strategy, and arguably the only way to succeed is to dedicate substantial time to study & practice. Specifically:

         > Dedicate the time to read the book & take the chapter end practice exams.  Yes, this is tough going, but you'll need it for the written exam.  As we discussed in class, a best practice is to dedicate some time on a regular basis to work on this.  Bite at a time.  In addition, I'm still working on getting past written exams/test banks. I will distribute as soon as I have definitive information. 

         > A senior OEC examiner once said that there is a direct correlation between practice exam success and number of scenarios that a candidate does.  To this end, we do a lot of scenarios.  In addition, to reinforce this, we'd like everyone to make time this weekend to do the full assessment flow - scene safety through radio call - 5 times.  On Tuesday AM, we'll ask each of you for a report, and maybe a demonstration.

         > Finally, a few students are organizing practice days - practice assessments, skills, bandaging, splinting, etc.  This is very helpful.  I encourage all students to do this extensively.  If you organize the practice days, we'll work to see you have a patroller or two to help out.

Thanks all.  Keep up the good work.

Splinting & Bandaging Guides

Several of you have asked about this material.  Good descriptions, step-by-step guides, and pictures.  These guides are posted in the Class Materials section.  Direct link here.

Week 4 Reminders

As we discussed in class last week, we are 25% done with the course.  Everyone is looking good, but as we also discussed, now's the time to press forward to be fully competent and confident in the baseline assessment flow.  I know you're all working hard on this.  Keep up the good work.

Looking forward:

- This week and next we move forward to cover splinting.  As a reminder BRING YOUR CRAVATS.  For those that haven't made them yet, instructions are here.  Yes, they are big.

- Next week we'll cover boot removal.  Please bring yours in next Tuesday (9/17).  A few of you have said that your gear is in Tahoe or elsewhere, which is fine.  But if you have them locally, bring them.

- Finally, looking forward to the midterm on Oct 5, start recruiting your "victim" that you'll use to demonstrate each of the bandages & splints.  This will be about a 2 hour commitment on their part (likely 9AM - 11AM), and as we said, an excellent social media photo opportunity.  After this first skills demo session, they are welcome to stay, or more likely will want to take off, as we move forward into scenarios (likely 11AM to 1 or 2PM).

- And, of course, remember to block Sunday, October 6 for Backboard Sunday.  Agenda in the works.  Look to start at 8AM and go through the afternoon.  Yep, all day.

Another CPR Training Opportunity

For those that didn't make it to the Red Cross CPR training a week ago, Jimmy Rios has attanged for another course.  His note below:

Class - I have arraigned for a CPR for the professional rescuer at Lifesafety Associates. This will be a American Heart Association class. The class will be held by a fifteen year paramedic. We are targeting the weekend of September 21st. If you're interested please let me know ASAP so we can lock in the head count. 

Thanks, Jimmy Rios jrios555@yahoo.com

Good Week #2

Great job all.  As we discussed, you're all looking quite good for this point in the course.  Having said that, now's the time to press ahead aggressively to get the assessment committed to memory and be able to complete it in 3 minutes.  As you know, the key is practice, practice, practice.

In the meantime, a few items that have come up:

1. Writing out the assessment flow is often a good study tool.  As we discussed in class, use whatever tool works for you.  I've place the example write-up on the Google Drive "Materials" folder.  You can go there directly here.

2.  Some of you have asked about the audio recording of the flow.  As we discussed, it's from 2008 and the flow has changed since then, but nonetheless, this may be helpful.  I've also placed it on the Google Drive "Materials" folder .  You can go there directly here.

3. We passed out hard copies of  the final exam evaluation sheets in class.  It's also available in electronic form on the Google Drive "Materials" folder, here.

Now, back to practice, practice, practice...

Students - Good Week #1

Nice job all!  As we discussed, assessment is the foundation of the class and critical to know and be able to perform well.  So:

- Practice, practice, practice.  In your car, on your run, with your family, etc.  Get in as much as you can.

- Slides from this week's sessions are here.   Download/use as you see fit.

Next week, we'll focus on practicing assessments in a variety of configurations.  As we discussed, they will escalate in complexity as we progress through class.  Get your practice in now so you're well prepared.

Once again, nice job all!

Instructor & Assistant Instructors Sign-up

To help organize and create visibility for our Instructors, Assistant Instructors, and support help, I've created a calendar & sign mechanism on VolunteerSpot.com.  The system enables each of us to see what help is needed, when, as well as who's signed up to do what.

I've copied their instructions and a direct link to our calendar below.  Have a look & sign up for what you can do.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Volunteer Spot Instructions:

We're using VolunteerSpot (the leading online signup and reminder tool) to organize our upcoming activity.

Please sign up for OEC SouthBay 2013 - here's how it works in 3 easy steps:  

   1. Click this link to go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot: http://vols.pt/pFaGJP
   2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on VolunteerSpot) 
   3. Sign up! Choose your spots - VolunteerSpot will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy!

Note: VolunteerSpot does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign you up manually.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Class Starts This Week

As you all know, class starts this week.  A few key things to note:

- Class is on Tuesday and Wednesday nights this week.  Moving forward, classes will be on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

- Class starts at 7PM to goes until 10PM.

- Once again, be sure to read and fully digest the "Guide to Assessment" document prior to the first class.

See you all in class!

Class Location Details

As you know from the tab above, we'll hold the class at NetApp campus in Sunnyvale.  Specifically, we'll be in the Java7 building cafeteria.  Our host provided these instructions/directions:

"...As you turn on Crossman from Java, the first set of buildings on
your left hand side are Java 1 and 2. Then there is a parking
garage and Java 7 followed by Java 8. I'd suggest to people that
they park between Java 7 and Java 8 and go into the
Cafeteria directly from the side entrance..."

Preparation for Class

Each of the registered students has received a confirmation mail with suggestions/requirements on pre-class preparation.  I wanted to re-emphasize the following key points:

- Have a close read of the "Course Materials" page on the website. Taking care of the items noted will put you well prepared for class.

- Take special note of the reading required before the first class. in particular please be sure to fully read and digest the "Guide to Assessment" prior to the first class.

Looking forward to having you in class.

Discount on CPR Course

One of our candidates, Marco Paganini, points out there there is a discount promotion for the Red Cross CPR course:

"... to the fellow participants to OEC course that they can use red cross coupon code: SAF300114.  It gives a nice 30% off."

Thanks Marco!

Updated Course Syllabus Posted

Course syllabus now has reading assignments.  Click on the "Course Syllabus & Schedule" link above or here.

CPR for the Professional Rescuer Course

While not required for this course, most patrols require a CPR certification, typically the course "CPR for the Professional Rescuer".  Joanne Barnes (of the Alpine Meadows Ski Patrol) has kindly agreed to conduct a course for us.  Her class will be conducted through the American Red Cross, at their Palo Alto facility on Saturday, August 24.  Students interested (which is likely all of you), should go to http://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/course-class000000003956102 to register for the course.

Southbay Course Registration Information

We've completed our planning and are ready to proceed.  Specifics on the class, syllabus, registration & student preparation are posted on this website in the tabs above.   We'll post future updates here as well, so be sure to check regularly.

Details to note:

- The class we be held August 20 to November 14, 2014.  We'll meet 2 nights/week, usually on Tuesday and  Thursday nights, from 7 to 10, plus one weekend. The class syllabus is posted on the website.

- The class will be held at the NetApp campus in Sunnyvale.  Address and map are posted on the website.  Thanks to NetApp for the support.

- Guidelines for pre-class preparation is also posted on the "Course Materials" page of the website.   Be sure to give this a close read, and budget the time for the preparation it suggests.

- Most patrols require a CPR certification.  For those who need to get it, we will hold a class on Saturday, August 24.   Details forthcoming.

- Due to some recent changes at the National Ski Patrol organizational level, we'll have to do class registration old-school, via paper checks.  See the details on the website on the "Registration Fees & Information" tab.   I'd encourage you to register as early as possible.

We're looking forward to meeting you all and having a great class this year.  If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me a note.

Course Syllabus Finalized

We have finalized the course syllabus.  View at:  http://oecsouthbay.blogspot.com/p/course-sylabus-location.html

Course Location Finalized

Course location finalized. NetApp has been kind enough to provide us the use of their facility for the course. Directions on the Location Tab, here.

Fall 2013 OEC Course

A group of patrollers will be hosting an Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) course in Santa Clara, CA in the Fall of 2013.  Details are now in preparation.  If you are interested in the course, please email whbooth (at) gmail.com and we will send you more information when it's available.

Outdoor Emergency Care® is the National Ski Patrol’s award-winning training program for patrollers and others in the recreation community who deal with emergency situations. This nationally recognized program is designed to help you manage the toughest emergencies, in all seasons. Developed in the late 1980s for the 26,000 members of the National Ski Patrol, Outdoor Emergency Care is a training program that is tailored to the nonurban rescuer. Today, OEC is considered the standard of training for emergency care in the outdoor environment and is recognized by resorts and recreational facilities in all 50 states.