Nordic Senior Outdoor Emergency Transportation (OET) Program
Nordic Skiing, Toboggan Transport, Belays & Extended Skills
The Nordic Senior Outdoor Emergency Transportation Module helps patrollers develop and demonstrate advanced Nordic travel, rescue transport, route-finding, and emergency response skills in a backcountry-style environment.
Program Overview
The Nordic Senior OET component includes Nordic skiing, toboggan transport and belays, and an extended Nordic ski tour. These elements must be reviewed every three years to maintain Nordic Senior certification.
Extended Nordic Ski Tour
The extended Nordic ski tour is the foundation of the evaluation. The tour consists of approximately 25 kilometers, or 15 miles, of trails and slopes. Candidates and Senior Trainer/Evaluators from across the Division participate in the event.
During the tour, Senior Trainer/Evaluators present candidates with scenarios and situations designed to evaluate practical skills, judgment, teamwork, and confidence in the Nordic environment.
During the tour, Senior Trainer/Evaluators present candidates with scenarios and situations designed to evaluate practical skills, judgment, teamwork, and confidence in the Nordic environment.
Skills Evaluated
- Nordic skiing technique and proficiency
- Stamina and strength
- Consistent rate of travel
- Proper route selection
- Map and compass proficiency
- Potential hazard recognition
- Emergency toboggan construction and patient transport
- Construction of an appropriate emergency shelter
- Ability to build a fire to provide heat and prepare a hot beverage or meal
Physical Preparation
Candidates should train in advance to build endurance, strength, and confidence. The Nordic Senior pack can weigh up to 25 pounds, and candidates should be comfortable traveling with their equipment over varied terrain and distance.
Emergency Transport and Shelter Skills
Candidates must demonstrate the ability to construct an emergency toboggan and transport an injured patient at least 200 yards. Candidates are also expected to construct an emergency shelter of appropriate size that provides adequate protection from the elements.
Evaluation Environment
While the module includes multiple skill requirements, the tour and evaluation are designed to be supportive, team-oriented, and enjoyable. Candidates often work together on many of the required elements.
Evaluation considers skill proficiency, leadership, adaptability, effective use of equipment, and confidence in the Nordic environment.
Evaluation considers skill proficiency, leadership, adaptability, effective use of equipment, and confidence in the Nordic environment.
How to Prepare
- Train regularly to build endurance for the extended Nordic ski tour
- Practice route selection, map reading, and compass skills
- Become familiar with carrying and using your Nordic Senior pack
- Practice emergency toboggan construction and patient transport
- Review emergency shelter construction and fire-building skills
- Participate in regional Nordic training opportunities when available