The National Ski and Bike Patrol (NSP) is a national non-profit whose mission is to promote safety and service in outdoor recreation by educating, training, and supporting dedicated patrollers who assist those enjoying mountains, trails, and slopes. Blue Mound State Park utilizes NSP patrollers on its ski and biking trails. These volunteers help keep visitors safe while enjoying the park.
Become a Patroller
Bike patrolling is a rewarding way to stay active, support outdoor recreation, and provide essential safety and first aid services on trails and in parks.
Interested in becoming a National Ski Patrol Nordic or Bike patroller? Contact David Zoromski, the Blue Mound Nordic/Bike Patrol Representative at [email protected], for detailed information about the certification process.
Certification Requirements
- 16 is the minimum age at the time of certification.
- Candidates need to register with the NSP organization to be eligible for training and certification. There is a registration fee and then annual dues
- The NSP uses a July 1 – June 30 fiscal calendar. Candidates who start in the spring will not register until July.
- Alternatively, candidates can register and take the required NSP courses before the on-trial season in the fall.
- Alternatively, candidates can register and take the required NSP courses before the on-trial season in the fall.
Required Courses
Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC)
This course includes medical and first aid information. It is available in paper or electronic versions. The local OEC course is presented annually in April or May, and serves candidates from four local patrols. The OEC course is at the level of an EMT 1. This is a hybrid course with reading, online review, and quizzes. While a manual can be borrowed from an existing patroller, each registered candidate must receive a code from NSP to access the online information associated with the manual.
Starting in early July, the class meets for hands-on training evenings once a week for 3-4 hours. There is a fee for the course and equipment. The hands-on final is given in early November. All Patrollers take an annual one-day OEC refresher covering a selection of procedures annually.
Basic Life Support CPR/AED Certification
This certification in a professional level, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/Automated Electronic Defibrillation course. This co-requisite Basic Life Support (BLS) course is provided by outside organizations such as the American Heart Association and American Red Cross. The certificate is valid for two years. NSP, however, requires an annual skill check. A couple of hours are committed every other year to demonstrate these life-saving skills. Courses are sponsored every year by the local NSP patrols at a reasonable cost.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Courses
When candidates are certified as patrollers, they are recognized as Emergency Responders within FEMA as well. As such, patrollers will register with FEMA and take two free online courses familiarizing them with the National Incident Command System.
On-Trail Bike Clinic and Evaluation
Bike Patrol Candidates will attend an on-trail clinic and subsequent evaluation to view Mountain Bike skills. Basic candidates will be evaluated on several procedures and skills according to NSP standards. There is no charge for these events.
For Bike Patrol Candidates, there is a one-day required clinic and an evaluation at no extra cost.
Upon successful completion of these requirements, the new patroller will commit to a specific patrol as their primary affiliation (Example: Blue Mound Bike Patrol). Specific uniform color with official markings identifying the individual as a Ski Patroller is required to be worn during any shift. Blue Mound Ski and Bike Patrollers are provided a trail pass for the Blue Mound ski, hike, and bike trails.
If interested in being certified with the National Bike Patrol, please contact David Zoromski, the Blue Mound Nordic/Bike Patrol Representative, at [email protected]. Text or call for more information at 608-692-2718.