Ski Patrol - Canadian Ski Patrol System

Canadian Ski Patrol System

The Canadian Ski Patrol System is the patrol governing body for Canada.

In 1940, Dr. Douglas Firth was asked by the Canadian Amateur Ski Association (CASA) to organize and train a first aid rescue group to patrol the ski hills. The Canadian Ski Patrol System was originally a standing committee of the CASA with independent patrols in different areas. During the years between 1941 and 1948, the war restricted expansion, but the Toronto and Montreal Patrols united to form the nucleus of a national organization. During the next five years, the System expanded in Ontario, Quebec and the Vancouver area.

The founder and President of the Quebec area was led by James Harold Millard, a resident of Montreal and Morin Heights. Harold became National Chairman for Canada, following Dr Firth. In the early years, those who were injured were taken down the hill on a toboggan where they were then loaded onto the train for transportation to Montreal for medical care. Many photos of the original patrol in Quebec were turned over to the CSPS in the late 90s for their archives. The family tradition continued when both Harold's daughter-in-law and grandson were members of the CSPS in Ontario and Alberta.

By 2004, the Canadian Ski Patrol had 5,000 members across Canada.

The CSPS is composed of nine geographic divisions. Members are recognized by the yellow and blue jackets they wear marked by a blue maple leaf superimposed with a yellow cross. (Note: This is not the same as the marketing logo.) Different logos are made at different times.

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