BASP Blogger

SKi patrol survey on helmets and wrist guards

2011-02-23T12:45:00.000+01:00

Dear ski patrol colleagues

I am conducting an online survey of ski patrollers attitudes and opinions towards helmets and wrist guards on the slopes. It takes about 10-15 minutes to complete. The survey is anonymous but if you wish to supply your email address then you'll be entered into a prize draw to win an amazon voucher to the value of £50. The more replies we get the better so please try and find the time to complete it. The results will be fed back to BASP in due course. As ever, I really appreciate your time and assistance.

To access the survey please click this link - http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RKZ9NMW

Avalanche training rescheduled

2011-02-04T11:44:00.004+01:00

Avalanche training postponed from 29-30th January should take place on the weekend of 26-27th February at Glencoe Mountain. This training is open to BASP members only. Price and further details available from BASP.

The training will consist of evening lecture on the Saturday night and on snow training on the Sunday. The training covers the first sections of Avlanche Awareness training in our Log Book.

DO ONE THING to raise awareness about ticks

2010-04-13T07:41:00.005+01:00

If you are involved in Outdoor activities which take you into the countryside with lots of wildlife you may be at risk of tick bites. Ticks carry a number of infective organisms which can sometimes make people or pets ill if they get bitten. Visit the bada uk website or the tick prevention website to see what you can do to protect yourself.

Do One Thing to raise awareness, to protect and prevent your self and family getting bitten and infected.

Cumbrian Air Ambulance in life saving missions

2010-01-12T11:10:00.002+01:00

Yesterday 11th January one of our BASP First Aid Trainers Andy Dalton was seen on Borders and Cumbrian ITV news. http://www.itv.com/border/air-ambulance-rescue56615/ Andy is the Paramedic on the air ambulance in Cumbria, he has been working on this job for over 2 years now, and during some of his time off he works as a first aid Trainer for BASP teaching first aid to other outdoor folk, using some of his remote experience as a paramedic on the air ambulance. BASP is very lucky to have such experienced and qualified peple working for us as trainers and ski patrollers during the winter.

2009-11-18T20:55:00.005+01:00

Had an absolutely amazing time on the course over the weekend, Chris was superb!

http://go-where.co.uk/2009/11/16/client-safety/

BASP course Go-Where you want them

2009-11-18T20:55:00.004+01:00

Had an absolutely amazing time on the course over the weekend, Chris was superb!

http://go-where.co.uk/2009/11/16/client-safety/

Glencoe will open this ski season

2009-11-02T12:37:00.002+01:00

A last ditch agreement between David Campbell and a group of snow enthusiasts headed up by Falkirk business man and self-confessed snow nut Andy Meldrum has assured the future of the Glencoe Ski Centre. Andy is an experienced recruiter, marketer, trainer and public speaker who built his current company, AM-Distribution into a successful international business with distributors in the UK and Southern Ireland. Drawing on his early experience of teaching skiing and running his own outdoor centre at the Spittal of Glenshee, Andy believes that he and his team, with the support of the local and snow sports community, have the background and commitment to make Glencoe a successful, year-round, destination. Andy is absolutely delighted to announce that the ski centre will definitely be opening its doors this season and would like to thank David Campbell for his patience during the necessary lengthy negotiations that led to today’s announcement. Bobby Munroe, resort manager, says “this is really great news for Glencoe snow sports enthusiasts, for Scottish skiing and for local employment. We’ve got a lot of work to do to be open for the start of the season, but we’re all up for the challenge”. Bobby Williamson, Glencoe ski patrol, who, in the background, played an important ambassadorial role to ensure that Glencoe stayed open, says “the resort with Scotland’s premier ski and snow board terrain and an enviable weather record has been thrown a lifeline”. To promote the re-opening of the Glencoe Ski centre season passes are being offered at the specially discounted price of £250 (normally £300) until the end of November. For more details give Angela a call on 01855 851226. In addition to plans for the development and improvement of the facilities for skiers and snowboarders, the new owners plan further development of the resort as a year-round facility; with new mountain bike trails (and bike hire), an adventure play-park, dry ski slope and archery range being on offer for the 2010 summer. The café also plans to launch its great new re-vamped home baked menu within the next few weeks. The new owners believe that the best way to safe guard and develop skiing at Glencoe is to explore the possibility of snowmaking to ensure that the centre is less dependent on the vagaries of the Scottish climate. “With this in mind we plan to have a number of weather stations up and running by the start of the season”. “We have an uphill task ahead of us but with the support of the local community, ski clubs, ski patrol and you the general public, we are certain that we can not only safeguard the future of the resort but improve and develop its facilities.” We look forward to meeting you on the hill this season.

2009-06-10T15:50:00.003+01:00

This weekend was the 4th leg of the UCI world cup. BASP members were in action at Nevis Range to cover this event.

Equipment was provided by Nevis Range and Rescue Medics as well as members own personal equipment. The medical team included many BASP members as well as other folks from the medical world, as per usual we had a large range of injuries from a broken leg to the usual array of scuffs and scrapes.

No major hill evacuation was required and in all I felt the casualty numbers were manageable. One casualty of note was a lady who was a marshal, unfortunately she took a tumble on the hill resulting in a lower leg fracture. She was recovered using a McInnis stretcher and willing helpers with BASP members providing the expertise. The following day several of her friends reported that she was well and will make a full recovery and thanked the medical team for the professional help she received.

CPR saves cyclist on Bealach na Ba cycle race

2009-05-18T15:01:00.005+01:00

Many of you may have heard about the cyclist who was in trouble round the coast road from Applecross to Shieldaig during the Cycle Sportif on the Bealach Na Ba. A report from Hands on Events said "We are pleased to confirm that the cyclist airlifted from the event at the weekend has undergone an operation to clear a blocked artery and a full recovery is anticipated.We would like to express our thanks to the two doctors and the unknown cyclist who administered the initial CPR. The quick thinking and professional skills of these people contributed to this positive outcome. We are also grateful for the decisiveness of Torridon MRT and skill of the Stornaway Coastguard who ensured the quick evacuation of the casualty to Broadford Hospital."

The unknown cyclist was a man who had recently done a BASP first aid course, he was pleased that his training had helped to save this cyclist's life.

FIPS - conclusions from Martyn Asker

2009-05-06T17:30:00.002+01:00

My thoughts having never been before: skiing, good although very much end of season.
Lectures, some were very interesting some not, best being the avalanche stuff, but that was professionally presented. The Aussies did a lot, but they had to present to be there (fully funded), Japanese hilarious (but I didn't laugh), I think the FIPs in Japan could be a cultural train wreak
Practicals, mostly good, avalanche stuff great.
Overall I am glad I went, I think that:-
a) We Brits can ski, we ski well and as far as skiing to patrol is concerned can hold our own.
b) We are ahead in the medical areas, we have more freedom and are more highly skilled.
c) practically, rope, sledge, etc. while there was little work (none) on this, we worked as a team where required and presented stronger skills than most.

Other members should definitely go, given the opportunity, it is a worth while experience. However, I feel that members (BASP) should go based upon merit, particularly if they are partially funded by BASP, if they are totally self funded as were some of the Americans then they can do what they like. However, if you are receiving partial funding from the home organisation attendance to some lectures would be a good idea.

Thanks to Martyn for updating the BASP_FIPS facebook diary daily while he was out in Sweden. BASP members are welcome to join this group, however it is not likely to be updated again for a while. More reports will be given to BASP members through the newsletter and special updates and at the AGM. Applications to attend the next FIPS conference are welcome at any time.

FIPS - Last night dinner and gift presentations1st May

2009-05-06T15:13:00.006+01:00

Here are the Swedish team that put the whole thing together, they had a massive round of applause with standing ovation, well deserved.

We have just completed the last meal together, many presentations and gifts so the stuff we all brought has been replaced with other stuff that must go home.

Marie Nordgren, the main organiser kicks off the presentations.

Kate Hunter BASP, Ingrid Ivarsson Åre, Terry Abram Canada, Carolynn Honey USA, Fernando Herrera Chile, and Cesari Gerardi Italy.

Kate Hunter receiving gift from French delegate.

Next FIPs in Japan2011 dates to be confirmed. http://en.rusutsu.co.jp/ check it out.Very detailed lecture from the resort owner about the area and Hokkaido in general

en.rusutsu.co.jp Hokkaido's resort,'Rusutsu Resort'. Abuta-gun, Hokkaido. Playing golf, having fun at the amusement park and a variety of activities such as rafting and canoeing can be enjoyed in the summer.

FIPS - Scottish night

2009-05-06T14:34:00.006+01:00

Evening time in Are

The Scottish night, well more of a Scottish, Aussie, Chile night really, we had whiskey Scottish & English, Australian wines and Chillean cocktails, food from Scotland and Music music music.

Christine Gillespie shares a dram with Australian delegate

Keith Hill and Dr John Holmes sharing a bit of Scottish water with other delegates

A variety of Whisky's taken to share with delegates on Scottish night.

Great fun all enjoyed and dancing went on into the night. Many people of all nationalities gaining a better understanding of each other, great.

Stats: 13 bottles of Whiskey, 20 bottles wine and 1 bottle of Pisco (Chile)

FIPS - Thursday 30th April

2009-05-06T11:49:00.006+01:00

I have uploaded a few videos of the activities avalanche victim extraction (work) but as it was a dummy fun as well and a good way to learn.

What I think is important here is look at the uniforms see the different patrollers of different organisations and countries working together, this is FIPs at its best. http://www.facebook.com/notes.php?id=1655182555#/video/video.php?v=1044459445804&ref=mf

We have now shifted a massive amount of snow, The victim is considered to have hypothermia, hence we are proceeding very gently http://www.facebook.com/notes.php?id=1655182555#/video/video.php?v=1044463765912

Exposing more of the victim http://www.facebook.com/notes.php?id=1655182555#/video/video.php?v=1044469606058

FIPS 29th April

2009-05-06T11:47:00.002+01:00

Lazy day for some today. I went skiing this morning for a few hours. Did the whole hill including the back, great fun off piste, V steep bit of a walk out though (hmm familiar that!)Then this afternoon had a wander around the town and lake area.

Preparing for out of season activities like zip wires and bike park.

The delegated had lectures this morning :-Canada, introducing changes in the Canadian Ski Patrol. France,USA, Australia looking at hydration.

Also a look at Trauma in skiing in 20 years.

This afternoon and evening the delegates have all gone to the Klocka Homestead this is a cultural trip exploring food and peoples of the region. More later.

FIPS - Wednesday & Scottish night

2009-05-06T11:41:00.009+01:00

Today is the evening of the Scottish night, this is where we show the other delegates some of our culture, this obviously involves whisky, hence I am doing this report in two parts as the second part may not be published till the morning.Today started off with presentations on the work of patrollers in Switzerland, there is a problem in the perceived role of patrollers and the ski areas, this had resulted in a TV program (we watched) and a campaign for increased safety.
We next had a presentation about the law, always guaranteed to have your jaw dropping in amazement.

Then we had presentations by the Japanese, introducing their ski patrol training methods (amazing) and the venue for the next FIPs, they presented some medals to other delegates.

Then there was a description of the new FIPs web site and how to access it http://www.fips-skipatrol.org/

Finally John Holmes from BASP presented 'Head injuries recognition and treatment', followed by safety equipment, helmets etc. Gerry Cameron was due to present the safety equipment but unfortunately due to illness he is not here, however we have heard that he is on the road to recovery and should be restored to full health soon, so that was great news.

The BASP presentations were both very well received with lots of questions and comments from the floor. More work could be done on both subjects.

FIPS - Tuesday 28th April Avalanche day

2009-05-06T11:17:00.008+01:00

It was all outside action today with a set of events set up by Manual. He is a Swiss guy that runs avalanche training. This is Manual the days organiser, he did a great job and made sure we were all Ok. But....he is a wee bit strict.

We were all split up into teams and headed up the mountain. Then each group attended a class of abut 45 ins duration.
This was a great day. The classes were:-Shoveling and excavating deep in the snow debris.This was a lot more interesting than it sounds and the lady taking the class was very impressive in her knowledge and commitment.

After training we dug down about 2.5 meters, made a ramp way in for the sledge and did this in about 11 mins. This is essential to get to the casualty in time.
Casualty extraction:-This explored more of the state of the casualty upon and during recovery how to get them out fast <35>35mins if cold.
Transceiver training:-This included checking and finding one casualty.
Dog Recovery:-I have seen the SARDA dogs in action, but still it is impressive. They are also playing around with the dog carrying a transceiver and relaying this back to the dog handler by radio, the dog is then told what to do via radio. The dog understood Norwegien, I think they have a way to go with this and honestly the dog knows what to do anyway!
Transceiver training multiple burials:-This was an extension of the above but using the grid pattern, worked OK.
Recco:-This taught us how to use the recco device this is like a hand held radar then picks up those little units sewn in ski wear.
Transceiver range testing:-This was just and exercise to show us how to improve the chances of detecting a poorly operating, deep or distant casualty.

This was a deep bury exersize, the tranciever below the surface was about three meters down, by only using his tranceiver and one hit with the probe He missed by this amount!

Deep burial techniques and micro box searches:-The first was obvious this is where the casualty may be very deep 3 meters ish. The micro box is a way of finding casualties when there may be a lot in one place, this worked very well and we were able to find 5 units on close proximity. This is a set of equipment they bury to represent casualties, we had to find all of them. They switch them on and off remoetly very impressive.

They have amazing piste machines there! Some even bring you coffee!

FIPS Monday 27th April

2009-05-06T11:04:00.009+01:00

Sunday afternoon and Monday had a lectures on Recco and Disability snowsports, delegates were inside and outside viewing the facilities.

Getting Ready for lectures This was a good talk on Avalanches with several speakers, it also introduces the Recco System, showing the early development.

Disabled Ski school, thay have a policy of allowing any and all, no matter age or disability to ski. They also want it to be the same cost as for a non disabled person. What is really neat is that they allow the skier to do as much themselves as possible.

Jeff Starkey trying out the kit used by the disabled skiers
This is a ski cart, it is driven using the upper body, but can be adapted to allow varying levels of control £5000 a pop

The itallians, they make oranage look really good

Monday Report

Started off this morning early breakfast at 07:30. followed at 8 by an introduction from the Australian Ski Patrol. Then we dissapeared down the Tram line to the Holiday Club in the town centre for a series of lectures on avalanche techniques, search recovery and care of casualties, this will lead into a day on the mountain tomorrow following this up and expanding on it.

Interesting part was the actual shifting of the snow once casualty located. It is remarkable how organisation can help here, bringing the recovery time down quite markedly.This afternoon was continued by the Aussies with explanation of their extended care plans and courses. This covers detail where you cannot immediately move the casualty to a medical centre or hospital, but have to care for the casualty for an extended time.They also are looking into methods to ensure the ski patrollers look after their own backs by reducing lifting requirements.

Finally the formal day ended with a demo of a medical evacuation of an injured skier making use of a Qvick Splint.During the day there are useful demonstrations by various manufacturers of equipment and clothing that could be of interest to ski patrol.

This evening we are being joined by members of the Swedish Ski patrol SLAO for dinner.

FIPS travel to Sweden and Opening Ceremony

2009-05-06T10:32:00.007+01:00

BASP delegates left the UK and travelled to Sweden, some flew to Sweden and had to transfer via train from a place called Hell (see picture) it was as well, no cafe, no shop, nothing, not even a time table.

They arrived safely and there was even some snow still around.

The opening ceremony was on Sunday with Snowbird (last FIPS conference) handing the FIPS flag to Are. BASP delegates were all there while all the country flags were raised.

FIPS delegates depart for Sweden

2009-04-24T11:52:00.003+01:00

Delegates from BASP depart for Are Sweden for the 6 day International Ski Patrol conference called FIPS. We hope they will have a good week and report on a daily basis what they have done and learnt. Checkout this BLOG for more details, on join us on Facebook

Listen to Ski Patrol - Natasha Richardson Injured

2009-03-18T10:10:00.002+01:00

Accidents do happen and safety is a priority in skiing. However, this story begs for skiers' awareness of, and attention to the skills of trained Ski Patrol personnel. If the Ski Patrol suggest a doctor's opinion be sought - do it. Ski Patrollers are trained EMT's and not only can assess visible signs of trauma but have experience in how "minor" falls can have major consequences.

Natasha Richardson, the Tony Award-winning actress and daughter of Vanessa Redgrave, was receiving emergency treatment at a New York hospital last night for a life-threatening head injury suffered after falling on a ski slope in Quebec. Her husband, Liam Neeson, was with her.

A spokesperson for the Mont Tremblant ski resort north of Montreal said Richardson, had fallen on The Flats slope on Monday afternoon.

Dr Mike Langran, an expert on winter sports injuries, said: "Most snow sports injuries occur as a result of an isolated fall. Most of the time the injured person has lost control, often travelling too fast for the prevailing conditions and on a slope inappropriate to their ability level. About 10 per cent of accidents result from a collision with another person or object, 5 per cent are lift-related and 5 per cent occur as the result of equipment failure. Secondary factors are important – for example, impact with solid snow or ice." www.ski-injury.com

FIPS ski patrol conference Are April 09

2009-03-11T11:31:00.010+01:00

It is 6 weeks to go until 13 ski patrol delegates from BASP attend the FIPS International Ski Patrol Conference in Are Sweden on 25th April to 3rd May 2009. At the conference delegates from around the world will be discussing developments in ski patrol techniques, avalanche safety, first aid and current training systems in place for ski patrollers. They will also be looking at standardisation of training for ski patrollers so that their skills are transferable throughout the ski patrol community. Other topics are legal, safety, round table updates - plus Medical, FIS Safety, Tools & Competencies, Injuries to Patrollers and accidents working in a cold climate, Disabled skiers, Pediatric Trauma. http://www.fips2007.org/ This is the official website of FIPS. Further updates will be sent from the conference from one of our delegates to keep everyone informed. Check back here at the end of April.

Cairngorm Ski Patrol assist with rescuing woman who fell in Coire Cas

2009-02-02T11:35:00.002+01:00

The call was sent in at 11am by members of Arrochar Mountain Rescue team and Strathclyde Police, who were on a training exercise in Coire Cas and they called the ski centre CairnGorm Mountain.
Four members of the mountain’s ski patrol team were then dispatched with first aid equipment to assist the rescue.
Ms Conalty was taken to the midway point on the mountain railway by a piste grooming machine, before being transported down to the ski station car park.
Praising the work of his team, Colin Matthew, head of the ski patrol, said: “It was a very difficult and stressful situation.
“Where Ms Conalty was walking the snow was packed solid, and it was very gusty.”
He said that despite clear skies, winds on Saturday morning reached 100mph, forcing the mountain to be closed to skiers.
Willie Anderson, head of Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team, said the snow was “like concrete”, making falls more likely.
Simon Steer, a senior team member, added: “It was a great team effort by everyone involved. The mountain rescue teams, police and ambulance crews and ski patrol staff reacted magnificently. Everything that could be done was done.”

First days skiing in Scotland 1-2nd Nov 08

2008-11-05T10:30:00.003+01:00

The first two days of skiing were enjoyed by many on Cairngorm Mountain and Nevis range this weekend 1-2nd Nov

Scotish Ski areas now closed

2008-05-06T08:57:00.002+01:00

Glencoe was the first to close due to lack of petrol rather than lack of snow this year! Petrol shortage in the central belt hit the ski centre hard and they were foreced to close because no customers were coming skiing despite the best cover in many years. Nevis Range followed suit with access on the gondola at weekends only and Cairngorm Mountain had their last ski week this week.

Helimed 2 training

2008-02-25T14:10:00.004+01:00

This picture is of Helimed 2 on a training visit to Cairngorm ski patrol in January '08

2008-01-30T14:16:00.001+01:00

Cairngorm report -

We have had a great start to the winter with loads of snow and getting to get every tow on and just about every run on the hill open . The last month has seen it's fair share of "red sky in the morning.... red sky at night" , days of zero visibility and buckets loads of snow .... and ooh yes the hairdryer, a 140mph hairdryer to be exact with a freak gust been seen of 176mph the tunnel graph last week. All in a winters work for the ever determined Scottish Ski Industry. We still have the Coire Cas and the top bowls going and we patiently wait (as ever) for that illusive set of weather fronts that will pile in off the atlantic to bring more of the white stuff to our sacred ski slopes. We have all the same friendly, experienced and hilarious gang with a few extra sneaking in the back so the craic has been great.

Cheers to another cracking winter!

BASP Trainers in Les Gets

2007-12-13T12:39:00.000+01:00

Gerard Cameron and Mark Fair, BASP Trainers had to dig out the snow before their First Aid course candidates could get to Chalet Tressud in Les Gets, France last weekend. The owner Peter Halliwell was delighted to find his drive clear of a lot of snow when he returned from a trip to Saas Fee. A meter of snow had fallen in 24hrs!

CAIRNGORM

2007-03-12T11:38:00.000+01:00

Well today at Cairngorm, it's a sunny day and what will the weather bring today?

Well we've had everything over the last couple of weeks, blizzards, hairdryer, rock hard and 80 mph winds. Just another fun filled winter at Cairngorm. The recent storms last week saw substantial amount of snow catching in places like the Ptarmigan run, traverse, zigzags,M1 but other places like the fairway, very little, then to have it melt and refreeze
On the casualty front, its been fits and starts, 14 one Sunday. We've had a fair share of dislocated shoulders, fractured wrists and 2 suspected heart attacks, broken ribs and a few knees for good measure!

That's all folks!

Cairngorm Ski Patrol.

glenshee

2007-02-21T12:05:00.000+01:00

Well things are pretty miserable here, the big melt happened last thursday and there is no sign of any significant snow on the horizon although its been trying to snow today.
We just have the Dink Dink and Claybokie going, Dink Dink is car park snow that we tractored in so your skis get well sanded on the way down really only suitable for first day beginners. Claybokie is patchey at the top with some soft snow moguls!!! and the last bit is manmade snow so its not too bad. Its keeping a few intrepide holiday makers happy.
On the casuality front few and far between; one stands out a 12 year old boy who hit a fence hurt his lower leg/knee and screamed the house down the whole time till the ambulance staff filled him with morphine. We tried entynox which actually knocked him out briefly which let us get the boots and trousers off but he didnt like it much. His mother was fantastic and kept calm through it all. Alan and I thought he had maybe #'d the tibial plateau but the the hospital could find nothing and thought he had torn ligaments or tendons.
Well hears praying for snow and looking forward to FIPS and loads of snow.
Cheers Kate

2007-02-07T09:27:00.000+01:00

Twas the week before Christmas when 7 eager recruits arrived at the bottom Gondola station of the Nevis Range keen to learn all that Jeff had to teach us about the art of Ski Patrolling. It was of course the annual Ski Patrol Training Course and our spirits raised by the slight fluttering of overnight snow we duly set of up the mountain to find out what was in store for us. For myself it was the next step up the ladder towards becoming a fully fledged National Patroller at Glenshee, others had far grander ladders, Tignes, Canada, even the Cairngorms!

A thoroughly worthwhile and entertaining week was had by all, learning everything from chairlift rescues to ice axe arrests including how not to find someone on a dark mountainside! Had it not been for Cat we’d still be looking!

First Aid featured highly on the agenda obviously, and I think Jeff should probably take up a sideline in the props department on a horror movie set to fully utilise his make up sklls. Euan may not be able to look at vegetable soup in quite the same way ever again, and Annie certainly gargled for the rest of the week! But it was all good practice and certainly built our confidence for going out onto the big white pistes.

A bit of avalanche training, some sledge work on the dry slope, a day playing/training with crampons and ice axes, and some worldly patrolling advice from our mentor Jeff later and we were thrown out into the big bad world of ski patrolling!

I fully recommend the course to anyone thinking about patrolling in the future, it provides a good start to the proccess and provides valuable insight into what the job intails.

Thanks to Jeff, Mark, Tony and all the guys and gals at the Nevis Range.

Pete Grewar

p.s. Thanks also to our sponsors: Gore-Tex, and the wee rubber bits on the point of your ice axe!!

Latest From CairnGorm

2007-01-29T15:04:00.000+01:00

Hello Everybody.

Well the overhead conditions are somewhat damp and on the wrong side of the zero degrees!
However we still have skiing in the Ciste & Ptarmigan and half of Coire Cas. We hope for some more white stuff and quickly. Our new Cardiac Science G3 defib arrived on Friday so we are now back up to 2 defibs on site. Many thanks to British Heart Foundation (www.bhf.org.uk) for supplying the valuable bit of kit.

The CairnGorm Team

Glenshee news

2007-01-26T15:42:00.000+01:00

Hi we have now been open a week. During the week it gradually got better , yesterday was a glorious winter's day clear and crisp. Piste skiing was good off piste a bit wind slabby with a crust but it skied and boarded out well. Unfortunately it rained last night so all the superficial snow on the heather has gone but there is still plenty in the runs with the odd bear patch and rock. We haven't got the whole area open as yet but most of the Cairnwell bowl is operational and we will go as far as Tom Dearg and Cluny tomorrow. look on Glenshee web site for photos from today.
Gots lots of keen patrollers with about 4 rookies of varying ages!! thanks to everyone for their support.
Only 3 casualties so far, 1 # femur neck of 57 yr old woman not much pain lots of swelling no shortening muscles spasming. Used vacuum mattress did offer entynox but she didn't like it.
2 Coughing up blood after falling on chest and shoulder, had a Dr look at him who seemed to think not a lot wrong, good lung sounds no breathing difficulty good vital signs so he went home with instructions if he felt at all bad to go to A+E.
3 1" laceration to shin right down to bone. Dressed and sent for stitches.
That's all folks off to get ready for the weekend and a girly supper at my house.
Cheers Kate

Alps are stretched

2007-01-19T17:57:00.000+01:00

Have a look at this link to a report about skiing conditions in France. We are not the ones suffering from lack of snow!

http://mysnowsports.com/News/article/sid=683.html

New resort Reps

2007-01-12T15:06:00.000+01:00

New for 2007, BASP members from each of the Scottish ski areas will now be posting reports from the ski patrol in their area. Visit our blogg regularly for up to date information on Scotland's busiest ski rescue service.

We are still looking for a rep from the Lecht - any volunteers?

2006-11-02T12:26:00.000+01:00

Win a hamper stuffed full of camping goodies, a set of touring guides and a fantastic range of Self heating 'Heater Meals' from Hunger Breaks
There's nothing like the great outdoors; the smell of the grass underfoot, the rush of wind through your hair, the sun heating your skin to the touch, that wonderful sensation of getting back to basics and connecting with nature.
No matter what your chosen outdoor activity, sooner or later you will need to refuel for the rest of your journey. It's at this time that the longing may kick in and the simplest pleasures in life, such as a hot meal, fixate your mind. However, preparing a hot, healthy meal in the great outdoors is no mean feat.
Just think of all that stuff you'd have to carry! This is where a Heater Meal comes in handy! A favourite of Olympic rower, James Cracknell*, the self-heating ready meal needs no refrigeration and can be eaten anywhere, with no need for a cooker, power or even heat.
What better way to enjoy the outdoor life than with one of your favourite classic meals such as 'Chicken Curry' or 'Steak & Vegetables'? With many meals having less then 5g fat and 0.2g of salt Heater Meal is also a healthy alternative.
* “HeaterMeals rescued us when we ran out of water.” James Cracknell of Spirit of EDF Energy that came first in their class in the Atlantic Rowing Race 2005

We've teamed up with Heater Meals to offer you this fantastic prize:

Prize: A selection of Heater Meals, a set of Visit Britain Touring Guides and a hamper of outdoor gear including a top of the range tent and sleeping bag.

Question: How does a Heater Meal heat up?
1)With a cooker
2)All on its own
3)With a celebrity chef

For more information visit www.heatermeals.co.uk

Send your answer to BASP by 30th Nov. email: firstaid@basp.org.uk
The winner will be notified after the draw before Christmas and prize will be sent directly to them from the sponsors.

BASP Annual members training weekend

2006-10-18T18:51:00.000+01:00

On 30th Sept and 1st Oct BASP celebrated our 10th Annual training weekend at Loch Insh, Kincraig with a record number of delegates (63) plus partners for the evening dinner and Ceilidh. We had lectures and practical sessions from Dr Ian McLaren, Dr James Ferguson and Brian Carlin (Scottish BASIC's Instructor) on Spinal injuries, Head Injuries and Paediatric issues; also on litigation in snowsports by Chris Exall. On Sunday Nigel Williams (Glenmore Lodge) made sure we never got lost again on the hills, and Andy Nelson (instructor from JSMTC Ballachulish) spoke about avalanche safety, with some interesting tales from experienced members of BASP. Ian McLaren demonstrated the new Avalanche safety rucksac which many European Ski Patrollers use, and save many lives. In the afternoon Cairngorm ski patrol set up some ropework and tied as all in knots! A big thanks to Cairngorm ski patrol and especially Dr Mike Langran for organizing the activities and lecturers for the weekend. A great weekend was had by all and we hope to have even more members next year when the Glencoe Ski Patrol will host the weekend.

BASP Trainers Weekend

2006-06-05T13:57:00.000+01:00

This weekend 16 (out of 26) BASP Trainers gathered together at Bridge of Allan for their annual Trainers weekend. It was a very sucessful weekend, we all learnt a lot and we met some new faces in the team. Since last year Lynne Warden, Mark Chadwick and Robin Saxby have joined us, Lynn has already reached full trainer status and Mark and Robin have just started their training. The weekend was very ably lead by our Chairman of the Training Committee, Andy Dalton - thanks Andy. These weekends are very valuable because they ensure that we all sign from the same song sheet on the BASP courses and any new Guidelines and practise is discussed to ensure everyone understands what is expected and should be taught. In July we will have all our Defib training units undated and will be available to teach AED training using the new UK Resuscitation Council Guidelines, as our Trainers have been updated on the new protocols.

We are currently discussing the new proposed changes to the HSE First Aid at Work courses and will be looking at the other course that we run already. We will keep everyone up to date with changes as and when they occur, this will be sometime after September 2007.

We are also rewriting our manual and this will be available in 2007.

If you are a Trainer maybe you would like to add your comments here.

If you are a member of the public do you have your favorite Trainer and why? We would love to hear from you if you do.

Snow report from Cairngorm Mountain

2006-04-13T09:57:00.000+01:00

The season at CairnGorm has exceeded all expectations after a very late start in March! Fresh snow during last week topped up the slopes and gave full cover all over the mountain, allowing skiing to continue from top to bottom and giving some of the best conditions we've seen in years! Happy Easter everyone! However, skier numbers have been dwindling gradually from the peak weekend at the beginning of March, which means that queues are virtually non existent and pistes are clutter free! The patrol have been kept busy with plenty of scrapes to deal with including one poor chap who broke his leg in three places last Thursday and got through 2 bottles of entinox before the ambulance arrived!

We hope that the slightly milder conditions this week won't do too much damage and that we'll be skiing for a few weeks to come!

Who has the best snow in Scotland?

2006-02-16T10:58:00.000+01:00

Can you tell us who has the best snow in Scotland this weekend? We know the snow is falling but where is it deepest and where is the longest run? We all want to know so please post us your comments. Scotland has great skiing to offer, be that on 2 planks or one, long or short, so get out there and enjoy!
Nevis Range and Glencoe will have their top runs open, will you be the first to make those perfect first turns down the hill? Let us know and please send us some pictures.

Is the coming winter going to be cold?

2006-01-16T10:23:00.000+01:00

Is the coming winter going to be cold?
It was October and the Indians on a remote reservation asked their new Chief if the coming winter was going to be cold or mild. Since he was a Chief in a modern society he had never been taught the old secrets.
When he looked at the sky he couldn't tell what the winter was going to be like.
Nevertheless, to be on the safe side he told his tribe that the winter was indeed going to be cold and that the members of the village should collect firewood to be prepared.
But being a practical leader, after several days he got an idea. He went to the phone booth, called the National Weather Service and asked, "Is the coming winter going to be cold?"
"It looks like this winter is going to be quite cold," the meteorologist at the weather service responded.
So the Chief went back to his people and told them to collect even more firewood in order to be prepared.
A week later he called the National Weather Service again. "Does it still look like it is going to be a very cold winter?"
"Yes," the man at National Weather Service again replied, "it's going to be a very cold winter."
The Chief again went back to his people and ordered them to collect every scrap of firewood they could find.
Two weeks later the Chief called the National Weather Service again. "Are you absolutely sure that the winter is going to be very cold?"
"Absolutely," the man replied. "It's looking more and more like it is going to be one of the coldest winters ever."
"How can you be so sure?" the Chief asked.
The weatherman replied, "The Indians are collecting firewood like crazy."

BASP in the Weekend Living The Herald

2005-12-19T18:10:00.000+01:00

Did you see the section "Weekend Living" in the Herald on Saturday 17th December? A great article by Colin Hutchison. All about BASP, ski patrolling in Scotland and what we all do. Tony Cardwell, Gerard Cameron and Mike Langran get a mention. If you didn't see it contact BASP for a copy. Thanks goes to Jeff Starkey from Nevis Range for the great photos.

BASP Blogger

2005-11-09T10:33:00.000+01:00

Welcome to our new Blog - what a great way to let you know what is happening, news views and pictures, latest deals and even gossip out on patrol.
We are all waiting for snow in all the Scottish ski areas - apparently it is going to be a cold winter this year - I bet all the snow falls in the east though - but this will mean that we will all end up in Glenshee and the Lecht this year. However if it continues to snow and rain like it is now we could be waist deep in the stuff by Christmas! Mind you judging by my garden we could all be afloat!
Please send us some pictures of your ski area when the snow comes - we can then see who's ski area is the best!
Fiona Gunn, BASP Secretary