CSP Training Cycle & You

Every year Central Zone requalifies almost 500 volunteer patrollers on Advanced First Aid (AFA), Basic Life Support (BLS), and Skills Training Card (otherwise known as “Yellow Cards”) before the start of the on-snow season.

This mammoth undertaking is made possible by over 100 volunteer instructors, who are themselves, also requalified in both the content, and teaching skills required each year.

In order to manage such a large volume of training efficiently, the components of requalification are carefully distributed throughout the year to ensure the best use of everyone’s time. We are after all volunteering!

Returning Patroller Training Cycle

For the 2022-2023 cycle returning patrollers can expect an additional weekend of one-day AFA requalification to be offered this cycle. Note, keeping requalification to one-day is only made possible by the pre-completion of skills card, e-learning & online written exam.

Mark your calendar! AFA Requalification courses for 2022 will be held as one-day events on September 17, 18, 24, 25 and October 1, 2 at various locations throughout the Zone.

Watch for communication from your patrol leader or AFA coordinator regarding plans for your patrol to complete AFA skills in advance of the September AFA Requalification events. 

Instructor Training Cycle

The instructor training cycle differs from the regular patrol as AFA instructors and instructor trainers requalify in advance of the regular returning patroller requalification season. For most, the 2-day AFA Instructure Yearly Updates (IYUs) are held in August. However, a few will complete IYU training in April in order to teach the Spring New Patroller course, or deliver AFA IYUs.

This year on-snow instructors will attend a one-day seminars in May – a newly developed course released from the National Training and Development Team. This course will ensure all on-snow instructors are up to date on the latest changes and content in our on-snow training curriculum and will contribute to greater instructional consistency throughout the Zone. Note, the 2-day AFA IYUs will include the AFA version of the Seminar for instructors and instructor trainers and will not be held as a separate event.

Becoming an instructor requires 2 years of patrol experience and completing an Instructor Certification Program Foundations (ICP) course which are hosted based on demand throughout the Spring. Following successful completion, instructor candidates will complete a one day AFA seminar, On-Snow seminar, or both, depending upon their intended role.

If you’re interested in joining the ranks of the Central Zone Training team, contact Glen Doyle at glen.doyle@skipatrolcentral.com.

*Please note: AFA Instructor Yearly Updates (IYUs) will include the AFA Seminar for instructors and instructor trainers to satisfy the National ICP requirements.