This chapter from an outdoor emergency care guide introduces the Incident Command System (ICS), a standardized framework for managing emergency situations, including its five functional areas and the roles within. It emphasizes the federally mandated National Incident Management System (NIMS) as a basis for interoperability in emergency response. The text then explains triage in multiple-casualty incidents (MCIs), detailing the SALT and START triage systems and their respective processes for prioritizing patients based on the severity of their conditions using mnemonics like ID-ME and 30-2-Can Do. A case study illustrates the practical application of ICS and triage in a large-scale ski lift incident.

The provided text, an excerpt from "Outdoor Emergency Care: A Patroller’s Guide to Medical Care," outlines essential knowledge and skills for outdoor emergency care technicians. It emphasizes preparation for various environmental conditions and potential hazards encountered during rescue operations. A significant portion details methods for self-protection, including proper clothing, personal protective equipment, and understanding disease transmission. The material also covers the importance of recognizing hazardous materials and basic crime scene management. Furthermore, it includes learning objectives, key terms, a lecture outline, a case study illustrating preparedness issues, and a skill activity on removing contaminated gloves. Overall, this chapter provides foundational information for OEC technicians to ensure their safety and the well-being of patients in outdoor settings.

This chapter outline and lecture notes from Outdoor Emergency Care: A Patroller’s Guide to Medical Care introduce the fundamentals of emergency medical care systems, specifically within the context of outdoor settings. It defines these systems as organized networks responding to medical crises, highlighting their evolution and the crucial role of Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) technicians. The material details the different levels of prehospital emergency personnel in the United States, emphasizing their responsibilities and the importance of medical oversight, communication, and quality improvement in ensuring effective patient care. Additionally, it covers the significance of protocols and continuity of care in emergency response.

This excerpt from Outdoor Emergency Care: A Patroller’s Guide to Medical Care serves as an introductory chapter, outlining the history and purpose of the National Ski Patrol's OEC program. It details the program's evolution from basic first aid to a comprehensive prehospital care curriculum relevant for various outdoor activities and explains its value beyond snow sports. The chapter also covers crucial legal and ethical considerations for OEC technicians, including Good Samaritan laws, duty to act, negligence, consent, and patient privacy. Furthermore, it addresses certification and recertification processes and distinguishes between the standard of training and the standard of care expected of OEC providers.