ADVANCED EMERGENCY CARE COURSE OVERVIEW

Updated January 2025

The Australian Ski Patrol Association is the recognised peak body for ski patroller training in Australia. The Advanced Emergency Care (AEC) course is specifically designed for ski patrollers. It seeks to develop strong knowledge and skills focused on the management of a wide range of possible first aid emergencies in the alpine setting. This course requires extensive hands-on participation; working on skills to manage hypothetical emergencies. Candidates will learn to use a variety of splints, techniques for spinal immobilisation, pain relief and oxygen therapy.

The Australian Ski Patrol Association (ASPA) is the recognised peak body for ski patroller training in Australia. The Advanced Emergency Care (AEC) course is specifically designed for ski patrollers. It seeks to develop strong knowledge and skills focused on the management of a wide range of possible first aid emergencies in the alpine setting. This course requires extensive hands-on participation; working on skills to manage hypothetical emergencies. Candidates will learn to use a variety of splints, techniques for spinal immobilisation, pain relief and oxygen therapy.

Candidates must:

  • have a current Working with Children’s Certificate;
  • be over the age of 18 at the time of course enrolment;
  • be a member or potential member of an ASPA Accredited Patrol; and,
  • have approval from the relevant Patrol Director/Manager.

Any non-patroller wishing to attend this course needs to contact the Training Manager regarding their eligibility to enrol.

All Non-Patrollers (before enrolment) & any other enrolment queries:

  • Contact Training Manager – Kirsten Campbell training@skipatrol.org.au.
  • If accepted, the non-patroller’s course cost is $1500.00.

PREREQUISITE: As this is an Advanced Emergency Care course, all candidates must hold a current qualification in HLTAID011 Apply First Aid or equivalent to enrol in this course.

Prior to attending the face-to-face course, there is approximately 30 hours of pre-course E-Learning preparation. Stable internet access is required to complete the pre course component:

  • Download and study the ASPA Advanced Emergency Care manual
  • Complete 11 e-learning modules, each module containing knowledge slides, videos, and questions.

It is a mandatory requirement that all pre-course work is completed 24 hours prior to attending the face-to-face course component to provide a sound understanding of the theory associated with advanced first aid. The pre-course work is a significant component of the AEC course. The Training Manager monitors this work electronically to ensure compliance. Completion is necessary for entry into the face-to-face course component.

Candidates are required to participate in equipment skill sessions and outdoor scenario-based practical assessment. Wear appropriate clothing as working in groups, floor work, working outdoors and hands on other candidates, both male and female is required.

The course has three components:

  • Completion of pre-course E-Learning work
  • Attendance for the entire duration of the course
  • Practical skills assessments including CPR/AED, use of pain management, medical and trauma casualty management.

After successful completion of this course, you will be awarded the following nationally recognised units:

  • HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
  • HLTAID011 Provide first aid
  • HLTAID013 Provide first aid in a remote or isolated site
  • HLTAID014 Provide advanced first aid
  • VU23090 Provide first aid management of anaphylaxis
  • VU23901 Develop risk minimisation and risk management strategies for anaphylaxis
  • VU22927 Manage asthma risks and emergencies in the workplace
  • PUAEME003 Administer oxygen in an emergency
  • PUAEME008 Provide pain management

Qualifications in HLTAID011, HLTAID013, HLTAID014 & PUAEME003 are valid for 3 years. HLTAID009 & PUAEME008 must be recertified annually, prior to the start of the ski season.

The RTO requires all candidates to be satisfactory in all areas of the course. If you cannot achieve competency after two attempts at any or all the assessments, you will be required to attend another ASPA course where we can provide you with the required support to achieve the understanding and skill levels required to be deemed satisfactory.