Southern Division

National Ski Patrol

Aid Room Module of the Senior Program (AR-MSP)

The Aid Room Module of the Senior Program (AR-MSP),is a dynamic and critical component designed to elevate further the operational knowledge and leadership abilities of Senior Patroller candidates.

The AR-MSP is not a repetition of the Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) module—it is a stand-alone educational and evaluative experience focusing specifically on the unique environment and challenges found within ski area aid rooms. This initiative aims to strengthen patroller capabilities in triage, medical intervention, communication, resource management, and leadership skills crucial to providing excellent care in high-pressure scenarios.

Why the AR-MSP Matters
Aid rooms are the operational nerve centers of ski patrol medical response. From managing multiple injured patients during peak hours to coordinating with EMS for critical transports, the complexity of tasks requires skill, efficiency, and calm leadership. The AR-MSP ensures that patrollers operating in these environments possess the specialized knowledge and leadership qualities necessary to handle such responsibilities.

The mission of the AR-MSP is simple: to provide Senior Patroller Candidates the opportunity to demonstrate advanced expertise in managing the aid room and delivering high-quality patient care. This includes not only clinical interventions but also coordination with emergency services, resolving conflicts with patients or visitors, and communicating effectively with area management and fellow patrollers.

What the Module Covers
The program is structured around five key topic areas:

  1. Aid Room Triage and Resource Management
    Candidates must demonstrate use of the ID-ME triage system, manage patient and non-patient incidents, deploy resources efficiently, and communicate effectively using radio or phone.
  2. Medical Intervention and Treatment
    Emphasis is placed on the primary and secondary surveys, infection control, and delivering appropriate care that aligns with both the standard of training and expected standard of care.
  3. Conflict Resolution
    Candidates are trained to manage tense or emotional situations with patients, family members, or colleagues through clear communication and calm demeanor.
  4. Interaction with EMS and Other Agencies
    Coordination with external emergency services is vital. Candidates must know when and how to transfer care, communicate infection risks, and manage legal responsibilities, including mandatory reporting.
  5. Interface with Patrollers and Area Management
    The module focuses on risk management, behavioral emergencies, and workplace injuries. Candidates must show they can operate as effective liaisons between the patrol, resort management, and external agencies.

The Training and Evaluation Process

The AR-MSP combines written exercises, discussions, scenario-based training, and final evaluations to ensure well-rounded development.

Written Exercises include:
—Aid room design and patient flow
—An assignment checklist covering essential protocols (e.g., missing person reports, ambulance requests, consent for minors)
—Responses to at least two scenarios, exploring real-world challenges
—Training Sessions are led by certified Trainers/Evaluators (T/Es), where candidates review their written assignments and practice scenarios.

Final Evaluation involves two hands-on scenarios designed to test candidate competence under pressure. Each scenario touches on multiple topic areas to simulate real-life situations in aid room settings.

Getting Started

Completion of the OEC Module of the Senior Program (OECMSP)

If you have completed your OEC-MSP training and are ready to take on a leadership role in your region, we encourage you to step forward. The division will provide guidance, resources, and formal T/E training clinics to ensure that you are fully prepared to mentor candidates and uphold the high standards of the AR-MSP.

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