Fall 2015 Outdoor Emergency Care Course

This site covers the National Ski Patrol's Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) training course that's held in the San Francisco South Bay area each Fall. Details on registration, materials, preparation and location are located on the tabs above. Course updates are posted below as they are published.

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.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Class Location Specifics

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..."

Preparations for Next Week's Class Start

OEC SouthBay 2014 Students -

We've got a full class and great instructor crew assembled and are looking forward to a great class.  In preparation for the start of class next week, I'd like to point out a few items to focus on:

- As you know, our first class is next Tuesday, Aug. 19.  We'll start class at 7PM, but I'd advise you show up a 15 mins or so early to take care of some paperwork, get to know a few folks, and get settled.  Note also that this week only, class is on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.  Tuesday and Thursday thereafter.  Location specifics/directions on the blog.

- As you saw in the "Class Materials" section of the blog, be sure you have read the initial chapters in the book, and in particular, spend some extra time to read and fully digest the "Guide to Assessment".   Assessment is a foundation of medical treatment, and is critical to have down 100% so that you can determine and direct appropriate treatment.  We'll spend the first classes on this important skill.

- As you also saw in the blog, our class is driven in large part by scenarios - simulated situations where you'll be applying the skills you're learning in class.  With this approach, you'll get dirty - spending time on the floor, with moulage, etc.  As such, it's best to wear old clothes that you're comfortable exposing to such situations.

- Finally, we have a set of supplies you'll be receiving Tuesday. Bring something to carry it all in.  Backpack good; shopping bag not.

Looking forward to having you all in class this year.  Shoot me any questions at the email address above,
Bill

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Class Registration Update

As of tonight, our class registration is full with 15 students registered and 1 on the waiting list.  Moving forward, we'll add any additional interested candidates to the wait list and assimilate into class if spaces free up.

For those students registered, see last weeks post on Class Preparations here.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Preparations for Class

With three weeks to go before class starts, it's time to get moving on a couple key items:

- 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.  Getting a head start on the book reading will pay big dividends.  

- And specifically, please be sure to fully read and digest the "Guide to Assessment" prior to the first class. 

Looking forward to having you all in class.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

CPR Certification Requirements

We had a few questions re: CPR certification.  Here's the scoop:  Although this is not required for the OEC Class, your patrol will require an active CPR certification.  Your patrol will likely require certification from either American Red Cross or American Heart Association.  Check with your patrol on which they require, and then sign up for a class at the links above.  Note most patrols require the "CPR for the Professional Rescuercertification.

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Fall 2014 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 19 to November 15, 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'll publish details on available courses soon.

- 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.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Preliminary Fall 2014 Syllabus & Schedule

Here's the preliminary syllabus & schedule for the Fall 2014 South Bay OEC class.  See the tab above or link to it here.