NATIONAL SKI PATROL (NSP) OUTDOOR EMERGENCY CARE (OEC) COURSE
A sequenced, competency-based education program taught at the same level as the EMT-B course content. Prepares candidate patrollers and other outdoor rescuers without previous first aid or EMT training to handle the emergency care problems encountered in the non-urban setting. The knowledge and skills learned are oriented toward the wilderness environment, with special emphasis on ski and snowboard injuries, high-altitude and cold-weather illness, wilderness extrications, and the special equipment needed for emergency care and transportation in the outdoor environment. Students are required to participate in comprehensive lessons with skill and scenario application; complete various workbook exercises; take a final written exam; and demonstrate their skills and knowledge in final scenarios. Challenge students are required to demonstrate all skill performances and complete the same final written exam and practical scenario evaluation as the course students.
Prerequisite: None
Challenge prerequisite: Current license in medicine (MD, DO, nursing, physician assistant, or physical therapist); any level of EMT or paramedic in accordance with US DOT curriculum; previous OEC certification provided the expired OEC certification date has not exceeded three years; or other certifications as approved by the national medical director or the national Outdoor Emergency Care Program director, based upon and after submission and review of appropriate curriculum materials.
Course time commitment: No hour requirements. To master the objectives, a candidate typically needs to devote 100 to 140 hours of class and study time to the course.
Challenge time commitment: Total class hours vary with the candidate's emergency care background, specialty, and experience.
Fees (course or challenge): Member-$60; associate/affiliate-$60; non-member-$300; division-$10; local-varies, for course supplies only
Credential: NSP Certificate of Achievement; OEC card (valid for three years)
Continuing education/refresher requirement: Annual OEC refresher consisting of one-third of the total curriculum (skill competency is verified by instructor of record)
Instructor of record: OEC instructor
Required texts:
OEC 5th Edition Textbook and Workbook
Ski Patroller's Manual
Recommended visual aids references:
Lower Extremity Injuries video
Spinal Injury Management video
