Got questions? Contact Brett Bergman - babergman@gmail.com
Please register for each session by clicking the link.
We are excited to invite you to the upcoming Ski Patrol Fireside Chat lecture series. This virtual lecture series will be taught by Brett Bergman, PA-C, a licensed Physician Assistant (PA) and volunteer ski patroller for nearly two decades at Mt. Baldy Ski Resort. If you're unable to attend, the lectures will be recorded and posted afterwards for viewing. The live lecture capacity is limited to the first 100 attendees.
Brett draws from his extensive clinical background to offer a broader perspective on wilderness medicine, pulling insights from high-quality clinical resources to enhance your training. While staying strictly true to the OEC Scope of Practice, these lectures are designed to strengthen your clinical understanding of why we do the things we do, helping you become a more confident and effective patroller.
Please see the overview of the four upcoming sessions below:
Session 1: Patient Assessment Mon, Dec 22 · 7-8PM
In this foundational session, we will break down the essential framework for managing patients in austere environments where resources and transportation are limited. We will cover the structured approach to the Primary Patient Assessment using multiple models. This talk will also review critical decision-making strategies—such as "Stay and Play" versus "Load and Go"—and best practices for obtaining a complete patient history using SAMPLE and OPQRST. Join us to sharpen your ability to develop a quick "clinical impression" and manage scene safety effectively.
Session 2: Trauma, MSK Injuries, & Shock Mon, Jan 19 · 7-8PM
This session dives into the management of traumatic injuries and the physiology of shock. We will explore the "Triad of Death" (hypothermia, coagulopathy, and acidosis) and how to intervene before it is too late. Key topics include hemorrhage control through wound packing and tourniquet application, as well as the identification and stabilization of pelvic and femur fractures using binders and traction splints . We will also discuss the assessment of chest trauma, including flail chest and tension pneumothorax, ensuring you are ready to "access, intervene, and reassess" in high-stakes trauma scenarios.
Session 3: Airway, Allergies, & Respiratory Emergencies Mon, Feb 16 · 7-8PM
"Airway" is a top priority in any assessment, and this chat focuses on securing and maintaining it. We will review anatomy and management techniques, including the use of OPAs, NPAs, and effective two-person Bag-Valve Mask (BVM) ventilation. The presentation will also cover the recognition and treatment of anaphylactic shock and EpiPens. Furthermore, we will distinguish between various respiratory emergencies such as asthma, COPD, and congestive heart failure, while also touching on pediatric red flags like inspiratory stridor.
Session 4: Cardiovascular & Neurologic Emergencies Mon, Mar 16 · 7-8PM
This talk addresses critical medical emergencies where "time is tissue". We will discuss how to identify and manage heart attacks, including typical and atypical presentations. The session will also cover neurologic assessments, using the "BE FAST" scale for stroke identification and the AEIOU-TIPS mnemonic for investigating altered mental status . Finally, we will review current AHA CPR guidelines for adults and pediatrics to ensure readiness for sudden cardiac arrest on the mountain.