SUMMER PATROL

The Sandia Peak Summer Patrol offers emergency care to guests while riding bicycle trails or hiking during the summer while the area is open. The following are basic guidelines for the Bicycle Patrol.

SUMMER PATROL SEASON

The season starts just before Memorial Day in May, and runs through Labor Day and again during Balloon Fiesta. From Memorial Day to Independence Day the area is open Saturday, Sunday and holidays. From Independence Day until Labor Day the area is open Friday through Sunday and holidays. The area is open the entire week of Balloon Fiesta in October including weekends.

ORGANIZATION

Each day has an assigned Team Leader who organizes coverage for the day. The goal is to provide at least two patrollers on duty each day and more patrollers on race days or other special events at the area. Two patrollers should be available to sweep the trails at the end of the day. Other patrollers may hike, ride the chairlift or otherwise enjoy the mountain.

ORIENTATION

An orientation meeting for all interested patrollers will be held prior to the Summer Patrol season. This meeting sets guidelines, explains protocol and the differences between bike and ski patrolling, and other pertinent information.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• The bike patrol is a goodwill ambassador who can help anyone, if necessary.
• The lift runs for bicycles from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Patroller commitment begins at noon and runs through end-of-day sweep.
• Scheduling is done online at the website http://mike.dentonpix.com/PatrolTest. Sign up at least seven days in advance of the day you plan to patrol. You may sign up later in the week or just show up, but you may not be eligible for the same benefits as those signing up 7 days in advance. A patroller who has promised to patrol must find a substitute, if they are unable to come.
• Patrollers must sign-in on the lower patrol room computer and on the white board near the door.
• Patrollers will carry a patrol radio and call area employees for support. Area employees will handle medical evacuations. An individual's cell phone could also be used to call 242-9133 to notify the area of an emergency on the hill.
• Carry first aid supplies. A fanny pack, backpack, saddle bag or seat bag can be used.
• Carry bicycle repair supplies to assist customers with problems. Bicycle repair packs are available in the lower patrol room and include spare tubes, mini-tool and chain tool. Return bicycle repair packs at the end of the day. Note any supplies used so packs can be re-stocked.
• Wear area-supplied bike patrol jerseys, patrol T-shirts, or a patrol vest while on duty. Helmets are mandatory for all cyclists.
• Be prepared for changing mountain weather. Thunderstorms are possible and frequent in the afternoon.
• The area offers a benefits package as described in the current Bicycle Patrol Benefits agreement.

SWEEP PROTOCOL

• Closing sweep is the most important need of the area. Our goal is to provide two cyclists to sweep Golden Eagle and King of the Mountain trails at the end of the day.
• Before starting sweep, check in with the rental shop for a count of equipment still out on the hill.
• When sweeping, tell people on their own bikes that the area is closing and no help will be available after sweep.
• If someone is on an area rental, help the rider if they are having trouble. Call for area support if the riders are having much difficulty. The rental employees are waiting for the return of the rental.
• The bike trails do not close. This sweep is not designed to clear the trails of riders on their own equipment; rather, it is to expedite the return of the area rental equipment and assist riders having difficulties.

INCIDENT RESPONSE

• Follow standard Outdoor Energency Care protocols including notification of time on scene, patient assessment, vitals, etc.
• Be aware that summer response time can be significantly slower than during winter due to reduced staffing and difficult scene access.
• Call for area support, if evacuation is required. Customers are typically evacuated by pickup truck.
• Complete and file a summer incident report to document any care provided.
• If area rental equipment is involved in an incident, notify area management for assistance in documentation.