The 2026/27 senior patroller OET schedule is:
Due to changes in my work schedule, it has become necessary to make changes to the Senior OECMSP schedule. The instructor orientation will be moved to Monday, September 14, 2026, at 7:00 pm and the candidate orientation will be moved to Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 8:00 pm. Note: The Senior OECMSP clinic scheduled for November 15, 2026, at Hidden Valley will be for OEC skill check-off. This is a major change from the past schedules and requirements. We will need as many T/Es there as possible.
The Senior OEC Module focuses on developing the leadership, decision-making, and problem management skills needed to effectively manage complex and high-pressure emergency situations. Through realistic, scenario-based training, patrollers build the confidence and experience required to lead during incidents involving multiple patients, limited resources, and dynamic environments.
The course focuses on the leading and management of emergency scenes effectively, the making of sound decisions under pressure, the application of problem management in complex scenarios, the communicating clearly with patients, patrollers, and outside resources, and the coordination of patient care in multi-patient or evolving complex situations.
The training is conducted utilizing on-snow, scenario-based exercises designed to reflect real-world situations. The candidates participate in scenarios as both leaders and helpers.
The scenarios evolve in real time, requiring adaptability and decision-making. While the emphasis is placed on leadership, decision making, and problem solving, the goal of the training is achieved through effective scenario management and outstanding hands-on patient care. The final evaluation is conducted on snow in a mountain environment. The evaluation scenarios focus on patient care, leadership, decision making, and problem solving.
Are you interested in pursuing the Senior OEC MSP certification? Talk with your Patrol Director or Training Director to determine your patient care proficiency and your ability to handle challenging situations. Reach out to the Regional Senior Training Coordinator, Bryant Hall at medichall@comcast.net. Begin working on your patient care skills (i.e., patient assessment, etc.). At your home patrol, work with OEC instructors and Senior Trainer/Evaluators on the skills and participate in scenario-based exercises.
The dates for the clinics and evaluations are:
Please let me know which clinics you will be able to assist with. Helping with the clinics prior to Mock Evaluation and the Final Evaluation allows updates and evaluation techniques to be disseminated to the T/E staff. We need to have as many T/Es available at each of the clinics.
Respectfully,
Bryant
Western Appalachian Region patrollers,
The new OEC refresher model will still include an online component. The online OEC refresher component will be available soon.
2026 Refreshers
The Patroller Stress Awareness Team has put together a pretty thorough web-based resource to address awareness among patrollers and their families. This resource is located at www.nspeast.org/stress-awareness-resources.html