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.

Get ready for winter!

With that Al Ninny guy (I think that’s his name…) out there gearing up, it could a doozie. Remember, warm air carries more moisture, just add a little jet stream, and we’re off to the races!

A good way to get back into the groove is with some of the NSP courses. One of them is Outdoor Risk Management… ORM!

Ski Patrol skills can get a little rusty over the off season. ORM is a good way to get your “Patroller’s Eye” back in focus.

How has ORM been valuable for me?

ORM is one of the “books” on my shelf. I like to think of season goals. I have been a NSP Patroller since the mid 1980’s. I always ask myself: What am I going to accomplish or gain this season? I enjoy learning and problem solving. I use the basics of Risk Management each and every day I work as a Ski Patroller.

“What’s in ORM that I don’t get through my patrol?”

Through ORM, you gain access to Industry Specific Risk Management information. You think you don’t do Risk management? Touch a piece of bamboo? You are doing Risk Management. Patrollers are valuable, because we go out there, address risks and make things happen. The more you know, the more valuable you are.

If you haven’t considered ORM, take a look! Its free. Check out the modules. It looks like a lot to learn, but completing them in order is not required. Some modules will be more applicable in certain areas than others. The goal is to give patrollers that “Third Leg of the Stool” (along with OEC and OET). Broaden your footprint and be more valuable. Heck! some patrollers who have completed ORM, have found it helpful to go back and review modules to refresh skills. We want this to be good for everyone out there in the patrol world.

The Bottom Line

The National Ski Patrol is way more than a “First Aid Club”. All ski patrollers, whether paid or volunteer do basically the same thing. Its all about helping ski areas and the skiers & riders there having fun. Skiing is risk sport. Each and every day we go to work, we are all helping manage that risk. Everyone wants people to have the highs that come with skiing and riding. We make that very expensive lift ticket more valuable, while creating a better operational environment for our area managers. Patrollers add value. ORM can help with that.

Now! Get that OEC refresher done. Clean and organize your gear (wax…remember wax…very important). Get to a pre-season refresher. And, get ready to get back on the hill!

Contact the ORM Program Advisor with any questions