Last weekend (11-12 October) there was extensive snow coverage and cold conditions in the Mt Field National Park, and so the Mt Mawson Ski Patrol (MMSP) took the opportunity to undertake a realistic training scenario on the slopes of Mt Mawson Ski Field. Ski Patroller Phoebe Nash has sent through this debrief of what went on – NOTE THAT THIS IS NOT A REAL INCIDENT!
The ‘debrief’ serves to provide the public with a insight into the Patrol’s capabilities and and the sorts of challenges that can be faced in the field.
The situation: Injured male snowboarder stuck in a snow depression below a boulder (see photo, quite hard to find!). When suitably (un)comfortable and ready, the (acting) patient notified MMSP of his predicament.
Initial response: All patrollers arrived at the scene after initial discovery of patient by a patroller skiing past. A medical assessment of the patient commenced, using the ASPA (Australian Ski Patrol Association) medical protocols that MMSP follow. Meanwhile, one patroller returned to base, to await further instructions for medical and extraction equipment…. the injury appeared serious.
“Injured” snowboarder discovered by MMSP at Mt Mawson
A difficult spot to help the patient
Patient assessment outcome: Suspected pelvic fracture from fall, spinal pain, early signs of hypothermia.
Equipment/treatment: Equipment was transported up the tow, using a highly technical ‘grab and drag’ technique with assistance from the (unsung heroes) tow operators. A blanket, spinally rated stretcher, penthrane (imaginary), pelvic splint and ajka (a sled which can be skied down the slope with a patient aboard) were all applied to the increasingly plaintive patient. Creativity and cooperation were required to extract the patient due to the awkward location he’d torpedoed himself into.
Learnings: There were a number of learnings the MMSP will be able to put into effect following this exercise, including management of the ajka rescue sled, communications and the management of hypothermia. It is planned to conduct further training of this nature next season.
Ski Patroller Phoebe Nash brings the ajka and blankets back to base
