Ski Patrol

By William Wu ‘25

Article from the Winter Carnival 2024 Hearth Issue

The ski patrol team at Easton Ski Area belongs to the Easter Mass Division and comprises a dedicated group of highly skilled students and faculty members. They work hard and commit to ensuring the safety of everyone on the slopes. Throughout the season, they have diligently trained to enhance the enjoyment of skiers and snowboarders while prioritizing their safety. 

The current Ski Patrol members, including Alan Gao 24’, Branden Zhang 25’, Paul Kung 24’, Ryan Chen 24’, Jacob Kaufel 25’, Whitney Bedell 25’, William Wu ‘25, their director, Mr. James Fay, and Mrs. Shappy LaPointe, are all dedicated to their job as protectors and caretakers of the mountain and its visitors.

The ski patrol team has undergone comprehensive training in basic first aid techniques and procedures, following the "DRABCD" formula. This offers a systematic approach to evaluating and managing all types of emergencies. It begins with assessing the danger of the surroundings and then evaluating the response of an individual by checking the airway, assessing breathing and circulation, and considering the possibility of defibrillation. These skills are crucial, especially when dealing with potentially life-threatening injuries.

Recently, the team acquired expertise in evacuating skiers from chairlifts during emergencies. This skill proves invaluable in situations where the chairlift unexpectedly halts, leaving skiers stranded for an extended period. To carry out this task, patrollers use a rope to secure themselves to one end while the other end, attached to an evacuation chair, is sent to stranded skiers. Once safely seated on the evacuation chair, skiers are lowered to the ground using a descender held by patrollers. I personally experienced a chairlift evacuation during a practice session with the patrol team, and I must say that I was impressed by their speed and steadiness. Within only five minutes, they had set up all the necessary equipment and were ready to perform the task. We were all successfully evacuated from the chairlift, and the experience was reassuring and gave me a great sense of security.

With the steadfast support of the Eaglebrook ski patrol teams, I am confident that we can enjoy a great skiing season without any undue concern. I extend my best wishes for an enjoyable and safe time to all skiers. A light reminder: While embracing the thrill of the slopes, please remember to remain cautious.