Most ski areas depend primarily upon the Ski Patrol for the necessary first aid given to an injured skier. It is obvious, however, that situations often arise which require the services of a competent physician. Is a physician available when needed at your area? At some larger ski areas, a medical facility has been established on the property which is adequately staffed but this is not common. Many ski areas “sign-on” physicians in an impromptu fashion. This can lead to serious consequences, however, if the physician is not able to cope with an accident situation requiring improvised techniques not ordinarily used in medical practice.
NSPS Ski Patrols have recognized the value of physicians who are oriented to patrol activity and who agree to render their services to the sport of skiing on a volunteer basis. Comments follow from physicians who are prominently associated with the National Ski Patrol System: Dr. William E. Jobe, former President of the Front Range Region Ski Patrol Doctors Association (So. Rocky Mountain Division); Dr. Otto Trott, Pacific Northwest Division Medical Advisor; and Dr. Arthur E. Ellison, NSPS National Medical Advisor.
Dr. Jobe states, “Our problems are mainly concerned with emergency medical coverage by licensed physicians during the heavily skied months to handle the serious or unusual cases and provide narcotics if deemed advisable. The injured skier is referred to his own physician for specific treatment and followup care. If a doctor is summoned by the Ski Patrol, he assumes charge and makes the necessary decisions to follow the case to a prudent disposition in conjunction with the Ski Patrol.
“Our organizational lines are independent and separate from the Ski Patrol, but we have borrowed freely from their structural setup. Each candidate must submit an application stating his medical qualifications and affirms his licensure in this state (Colorado), which is then reviewed for acceptance by the Medical Advisory Committee. The Medical Advisory Committee consisting of members within the organization sponsors an orientation course each year for the physicians. Here medical problems particularly related to the ski areas are reviewed and at this time representatives from the Ski Patrol present their methods of patrol and accident care, particularly to orient new physician members toward Ski Patrol procedures.
“An identifying membership card and arm patch are issued to all members, acceptance of which signifies agreement to abide by the recommendations of the Ski Patrol Doctors Association. Failure to follow these recommendations can result in dismissal from the organization. Each physician selects a ‘home’ ski area and is assigned weekend ‘duty’ days during which he must be present or procure a substitute to fullfil his duty.”
Dr. Trott describes Pacific Northwest activity, “There has never been a shortage of skiing physicians in the Cascade and Olympic Mountains, but until 1950, very few had a close contact with the National Ski Patrol System. The former philosophy of the fear of hurting their image by publicity, or the fear of being suspected of recruiting patients among ski accidents was partly responsible for their hesitation.
“Several M.D.’s have gone up in the ranks of the Pacific Northwest Division Ski Patrols. Others, not necessarily members of the patrols, have given many hours of lecturing to the patrols in anatomy, physiology, surgery and orthopedics as related to first aid. This is one important phase of doctor influence upon the standards of the ski patrols.
“We can point with pride, that many ideas of splinting, local anesthetics, shock treatment, application of blood expanders, helicopter evacuation, which are now nationally accepted, have been started in the Pacific Northwest in close cooperation among physicians, National Ski Patrol System, Armed Forces and Mountain Rescue groups. It is safe to anticipate further progress in these directions, and not to a small degree through the skiing physicians.”
A portion of the recommendations of Dr. Arthur E. Ellison and his National Advisory Committee follow: “It is recommended that all patrols have one Medical Advisor who is the recognized authority in medical and paramedical areas, such advisor to be appointed by the Ski Patrol Leader and approved by the Divisional Medical Advisor. It is the duty of the Ski Patrol Medical Advisor, acting with the approval of the Division Medical Advisor, to create or perpetuate groups of Skiing Physicians in such a manner as to provide maximal benefit to the patrol involved.” These recommendations are endorsed by the NSPS and have been incorporated into its Operational Manual.
Although physicians are available, Ski Patrol oriented physicians will be of more benefit to ski area management. Look into your local situation. Are qualified physicians available when needed?
