Dodge Ridge National Ski Patrol
Summer Update & OEC Refresher News
Greetings, Dodge Ridge Patrollers!
Hopefully, everyone is having a fantastic summer, staying safe, and getting some well-deserved rest and relaxation. While the snow might be the furthest thing from your mind right now, it’s already time to start looking ahead and preparing for the upcoming season.
Here is everything you need to know regarding our upcoming OEC refresher, CPR requirements, and staying details-sharp.
1. The New OEC Refresher: What’s Changed?
First, the good news: the core structure has not changed. You still need to complete an online module followed by an in-person skills session. When you enroll, it will still show up as a two-part course.
Where to Find It
The course has moved slightly on the platform. Once you enroll it will live directly underneath your Certifications Tab. The system will automatically save your progress as you go, so you can chip away at it over time.
The Online Portion: Required vs. Elective Modules
The main change this year is how the online portion is structured. You will have a Required Section (where you must complete every single module) and an Elective Section.
Right now, the elective categories only require you to complete one module per category to get full credit (currently, only one module is available, but more modules will be added in the future). While you are free to take as many as you like, you only need to pick one from each of the following lists.
Based on patrol feedback from last season, recommended modules to help strengthen our team are bolded below:
Trauma Electives (Choose 1)
Module 19: Soft Tissue Injuries and Burns
Module 20: Musculoskeletal Injuries
Module 21: Spine, Brain, and Nervous System
Module 23: Chest Trauma
Module 24: Abdominal and Pelvic Trauma
Medical Emergencies Electives (Choose 1)
Module 6: Anatomy and Physiology
Module 12: Substance Abuse and Poisoning
Module 16: Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary, and Reproductive System Emergencies
Module 17: Childbirth, Obstetric Emergencies, and Sexual Assault
Environmental Emergencies Electives (Choose 1)
Module 26: Heat-Related Emergencies
Module 27: Plants and Animals
Module 28: Altitude-Related Emergencies
Module 29: Water-Related Emergencies
Special Populations Electives (Choose 1)
Module 30: Pediatric
Module 31: Geriatric
Module 32: Adaptive Athletics
Operations Electives (Choose 1)
Module1: Intro to OEC
Module 2: Emergency Medical Care System
Module 5: Moving, Lifting, and Transporting (Part 2)
Module 8: Communications and Documentation
Module 34: Special Operations and Ambulance Operations
2. CPR Update: Even-Year Protocol
Because this is an even-numbered year, we will not be doing full CPR recertifications this season. However, to maintain strict compliance with National Ski Patrol (NSP) guidelines, we will be hosting a CPR Refresher Station during the Saturday portion of our in-person OEC refresher. This will give everyone a quick opportunity to practice, shake off the rust, and display their skills on the manikins.
3. Staying Fit & Remembering Your “Why”
As you enjoy the rest of the warm weather, please find some time to exercise, build up your strength, and condition your body for the physical demands of the mountain.
It’s also a great time to reflect on your “Why.” Why do you patrol? Why do you choose to volunteer your time, energy, and weekends season after season?
“For me, it’s always been about the love of skiing, the genuine joy of helping people when they need it most, and feeling like an integral part of a larger, dedicated organization. There is nothing quite like being useful out on the hill.”
Have a wonderful, safe, and happy 4th of July weekend! Enjoy the sunshine, and I look forward to seeing all of you back together this fall.
