AUBURN — During two days of training, on Oct. 9 and 10, members of Lost Valley’s volunteer ski patrol honed and refreshed their medical and mountain rescue skills.

About 40 members of the patrol gathered to review everything from advanced life-saving CPR to how to handle an incident involving multiple patients, known as a mass casualty incident or MCI.

Patrollers also, as part of an annual requirement of the National Ski Patrol system, reviewed and practiced treating victims of various types of outdoor injuries and illnesses.

“Getting ourselves recertified to be able to help the general public at Lost Valley and the surrounding communities is our main goal,” Lost Valley’s volunteer patrol director Roland Gaumont said.

Gaumont and fellow patroller Gerry Desjardins both received their national appointment numbers on Oct. 9. The appointment is a way to recognize years of dedicated service to the public and community. Of the 85,000 or so patrollers in the Ski Patrol system just over 11,000 of them have received national appointments.

Lost Valley has four active members with national appointments. “It’s a big deal within our system,” said Desjardins, also the Maine Region Southern Section Chief for the NSP.

Also honored was Lost Valley patroller Jackie Bennett. Bennett received the NSP’s purple merit star, the organization’s highest life-saving award. Bennett rendered aid to her friend when she found her unconscious and facing life-threatening medical emergency. For her actions and follow up with the family of the woman, who later died from her illness, Bennett was award the purple star.

Patrollers put in hours of training and work time honing their rescue and life-saving skills. Those skills often pay off on the ski slopes and off, Gaumont said during a presentation.

He then outlined four incidents over a two-day period where his training and experience came into play to help other people.

“In general every patroller when they are out in the community they help out where ever there’s a need,” Gaumont said.

Gaumont said helping others in a professional, outdoor setting was what draws many fond of the outside to the ranks of the NSP.

The Lost Valley Ski Patrol is a nonprofit organization that’s aim is to enhance through improved safety and service the experience of those who enjoy outdoor sports during all four seasons of the year, Gaumont said.

For more information about the Lost Valley Ski Patrol or to learn how to join, e-mail Gaumont at [email protected].