Six Appalachian Ski Mtn. National Ski Patrol (NSP) members received highest national awards at the NSP Southern Division Conference in Kingsport, Tennessee for a life-saving event this past winter.
On January 3, 2008, a 44 year old mother from Naples, FL on a family vacation collapsed at the base of the slopes at Appalachian Ski Mtn. Patrollers Joe LaCroix, John Whitener, and Tony Ray were first on the scene and found the guest pulseless and not breathing. These patrollers applied an automatic external defibrillator, and after 3 shocks over 6 minutes, a heart rhythm was restored. The patient was transported to Watauga Medical Center, and has made a full recovery.
A local attending physician stated, “In my opinion and the opinion of others who later cared for her, this lady would not have survived had it not been for the quick action of the Ski Patrol. This woman is extremely fortunate to have had this event in a location where this type of assistance could be quickly rendered. Through the rapid response of these professionals, a tragedy was averted.”
Joe LaCroix, John Whitener, and Tony Ray received Purple Merit Stars, the NSP’s highest merit award for life saving. Patrollers Joe Donadio and Chris Martin received Blue Merit Stars and Patroller Mark Latendresse, a Yellow Merit Star for their assisting role in the event.
Joe LaCroix is a Flight Nurse for Med Center Air based out of Charlotte Medical Center. John Whitener is a paramedic for Catawba County EMS. Tony Ray is an EMT and Battalion Chief for the Charlotte Fire Department. Joe Donadio, Chris Martin, and Mark Latendresse are EMT’s and Professional Ski Patrol at Appalachian Ski Mtn.
Appalachian Ski Patrol Director Joe Donadio received the award for National and Southern Division Outstanding Patrol Director. Donadio is a 21 year member of the Appalachian Ski Patrol and has been Ski Patrol Director for 9 years.
The National and Southern Division Outstanding Pro Patroller Awards were given to Chris Martin, a 7 year member of the Appalachian Patrol.
The following individuals from the Appalachian Ski Patrol also received Southern Division Awards:
Amy Norwood - Outstanding Young Adult Patroller
Mike Fletcher - Runner up Outstanding Patroller
Debbie Lentz – Runner up Outstanding Auxiliary Patroller
The Appalachian Ski Patrol received a Runner up award for Outstanding Large Alpine Patrol in the Southern Division.
The Southern Division has 1,200 members and 19 patrols in Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The National Ski Patrol is comprised of 26,000 members serving 600 patrols.
