ORM

As a patroller, you've received training and been involved in providing emergency medical care and transportation to injured and ill patients. But what about all those other activities you may perform that are less about patient care and more about preventing the need for care?

The Outdoor Risk Management (ORM) course provides a baseline of general risk management concepts and addresses topics specific to the risk management duties and activities that patrollers may perform as part of their daily patrolling responsibilities.

This course is available to all active NSP patrollers. The course is not available for candidates or hosts. It is also recommended that patrollers have at least one season's experience as a patroller so they better understand the context in which the program content is to be applied. The ORM course is an elective and there are no prerequisites required other than having active NSP patroller status. Patrollers interested in this course do not need any formal risk management training prior to participating.

FWD Patrollers, greetings from ORM!

Wow, what a season! Looking at the year, a lot of what we have been doing comes down to Risk Management. Well...Isn’t all this sliding around, riding trails & jumping off things, risk-based sport? You bet! And, that’s where ORM comes along... Continue the fun, while working to improve safety.

The Outdoor Risk Management (ORM) program objective is to increase patroller value by providing patrollers with risk management education, information, and resources. That’s a lot! And, yep, that’s patrolling.

A common question this year: “Our area has their own risk management program. Why should I take the ORM Course?”

Along with OEC and OET, ORM helps to completes the structure of what we patrollers do! Ski Patrolling is a dynamic job. We respond to injuries and help people. We work to keep our sports areas as safe as possible. Risk management plays a huge part in what we do every day.

Remember: ORM is online and free to NSP members. It’s easy to complete. ORM is recommended for patrollers with some experience. But, for any patroller, ORM is there for that age-old question: “Why the heck do we do ______?”

News flash! ORM does not set risk management standards or make rules. Area Management and patrol leadership set your standards & rules. ORM is a patrolling resource to help you meet area risk management needs.

Interested minds want to know: “What do I learn in ORM?” ORM discusses topics such as legislation, industry standards & practices, risk identification, and mitigation. But wait! There’s more! ORM addresses information for patrol-specific operations and operational basics of other departments. Think: bike operations, ski & ride schools, lift ops & maintenance, terrain parks, snowmaking, etc. ORM is designed to help answer questions and provide you with solid basic guidance. That is a lot....And, that’s what makes ORM one more good tool in your patrol kit!

When you have taken the ORM course, please give us feedback. We want to make this program valuable and useful! Now, get back out there! it’s spring, and there’s corn to be skied...trail work starting...and sun to enjoy.

Contact the ORM Program Advisor with any questions or ORM@nspserves.org

Contact the ORM Program Advisor with any questions