11/17/2007
The response to the December refresher has far exceeded that of prior
years. I have received more e-mails and phone calls than the entire
attendance of prior years and it's only mid-November. I cannot answer
the e-mails individually any more. This e-mail addresses all the
questions that I have received thus far except the room where it will be
held (not yet decided).
The EPA Region December refresher was originally intended as an
opportunity for out of town college students to complete their refresher
requirements. It expanded to include a few others who had medical or
extended travel problems. Patrollers who were not students and didn't
have medical problems or other emergencies were charged a fee of $50.
The date had always been unpublished and admission was via
permission from the patroller's Patrol Director. This kept the
December refreshers desirably small. While we can usually get then
entire lodge / ski area for a date in September or October, it is
difficult to get much space when the ski area is open to paying
customers.
This year the date was published on the EPA website and the response
has been overwhelming. We are increasing the number of instructors as
best we can; it is a day when the ski areas will be open and many of the
OEC instructors will have duty.
This year the refresher is open admission. The same "rules" regarding
the fee apply. Students, people with valid medical excuses, people who
were away on active duty, and others exigencies will have free admission
to the refresher.
If you are not a student, I will need an e-mail from your Patrol
Director, Patrol Rep, or Section Chief stating that you had a valid
reason (medical, active duty, etc) for missing all the other 9 patroller
refreshers in the region at least a week prior to the refresher or a
letter from the PD on the day of the refresher.
All others will be charged $50 (as voted at the fall officers
meeting).
The refresher format will be the same as the previous 9 patroller
refreshers. The day begins at 8am with registration, followed by a few
brief announcements, then the mini presentation, followed by the hands
on stations. "You are the rescuer" will be one of the stations. We will
break for lunch at ~noon for 45 minutes. There will be sign-ins at each
station, each person signs in at each station not one person for the
team.
What you will need to bring: (same as all refreshers)
- Patrol Director's Permission (Non-Student)
- Current OEC card – if lost
National will replace for $5
- Patrol Belt
- Completed OEC Refresher Guide (If lost you can download
from www.nsp.org )
- Lunch
- $50.00 for all non-students
If you still have questions, you can e-mail me or call my home number
(at a reasonable hour).
Thanks – Lee Thonus
Thonus@comcast.net
5522 Grouse Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17111
H: 717-657-2764
