BB,
as one of the few actual paid people on patrol I can add a few other points. We are not held to an OSHA standard...if we were, The ski area would not only stipulate PPE protocols, but, by law, would have to provide ALL OF OUR PPE equipment (and pay for our safety training as well-which is standard for all EMT outfits). You probably noticed that hasn't happened. Fortunately for them, we are an NSP affiliated, self-funded and independent (and over 90% volunteer!).
That aside, making Patrollers wear helmets is no big deal, of course. But as far as the General Public or raising eyebrows at the helmetless antics of JP Auclair, I think it is misplaced concern at best, and intrusive nannyism at worst.
As someone who often sides with my kids when they relate to me the latest tyranies imposed by control freak lunch moms on the playground, I've come to view "Safety" as the new fascism.
HERE, HERE!!
I felt exactly the same way when they started installing seat belts in automobiles, and even more so when they started requiring that you use them. I laugh about it now, but I really felt that they were taking away my right to make my own decisions. And I felt that the real conspiracy was Insurance Company's maximizing profits by mitigating risks with technology that the consumer had to pay for.
I do worry about where the balance is, though. I got some nasty looks from the neighbors once when I let the kids up on the roof of the house with me (10 and 12). Seemed like no big deal to me, as a kid we used to climb up on the roof just so we could jump off.
I am pretty surprised that NSP hasn't passed down a mandate for wearing of helmets.
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