Simulation of a ski accident
A collaboration between Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort and Airmedic for safety at Mont-Tremblant
An initiative to enhance safety at Mont-Tremblant
Safety at Mont-Tremblant is a priority for our team. As supervisor of the Mont-Tremblant Ski Patrol, I see that our mission is based above all on prevention and rapid response.
In recent years, snow sports have evolved. Skiers and snowboarders now descend the slopes faster than before. As a result, this increased speed increases the risk of injury.
The Mont-Tremblant Ski Patrol, which dates back to the resort’s founding in 1939, has had to adapt. That’s why we’ve developed a continuing education program focused on off-piste skiing and head injuries.
Training and coaching in collaboration with Airmedic
With safety on the slopes at Tremblant in mind, we were very enthusiastic about collaborating with Airmedic. Together, we designed a forest rescue simulation involving helicopter transport.
Airmedic has a solid reputation. Integrating their expertise into our program was a natural fit. Over the past 10 years, the Airmedic team has carried out more than 8,000 missions and saved just as many patients. Thanks to its qualified medical staff, the company provides comprehensive patient care. It performs pre-hospital and inter-hospital emergency transport by both plane and helicopter.
Off-piste skiing: a growing safety issue in the mountains
We chose to simulate an off-piste accident because this type of incident is becoming increasingly common. The role of the ski patroller has therefore changed. Mountain rescue now plays an important part in our training.
Today, skiers and snowboarders reach significantly higher speeds than they did 20 or 30 years ago. Advances in equipment, snow conditions, and grooming quality create ideal conditions for speed. However, few skiers undergo advanced training. Learning to master your equipment and control your speed is essential to ensuring your own safety at ski resorts.
Despite the widespread use of helmets, a fall at 70 or 90 km/h can cause serious injuries. Head injuries are now more common than ankle sprains. In addition, off-piste skiing continues to increase every year.
Simulation of our emergency response plan
The simulation was based on our emergency response plan (ERP). With the help of Airmedic chief pilot Michael Pilote, we identified a landing site on the Algonquin runway.
On March 10, under bright sunshine, we launched the exercise. Our trainers were ready. The “victim” lay down in a ravine to simulate an injury following an off-road accident.
As soon as the call came in, our team responded immediately. They headed to the scene of the incident and quickly assessed the situation. The team then contacted Airmedic headquarters by phone. After gathering the information, the medical team set off. Once extracted from the ravine, the victim was transported by sled to the helipad.
Upon arrival, Airmedic personnel immediately took charge of the patient. They stabilized his condition and then transported him to an appropriate hospital.
In a few days, the video of this simulation will be available. A picture is worth a thousand words. This video perfectly illustrates our commitment to safety at Mont-Tremblant. The work of our patrol team and Airmedic allows us all to be prepared in case of an emergency.
The Mont-Tremblant Ski Patrol sincerely thanks the entire Airmedic team for this unique experience. This exercise taught us a great deal. We hope to be able to repeat this collaboration. We were greatly impressed by the professionalism and skills demonstrated by the Airmedic team.
Congratulations to the entire Airmedic team and thank you to Mont-Tremblant Resort for its logistical support.
Bruno Vanasse
Supervisor, Mont-Tremblant Ski Patrol
