PKMT 105 - Park Safety and Visitor Services

4 Credits: (3 lecture, 2 lab)

Course Description
This course instructs students in basic law enforcement and rescue techniques that apply to park and recreation areas. Specific training includes: swiftwater, ice, advanced line systems rescue, patient packaging and transport. Water rescue certifications may be obtained upon successful completion of certification standard requirements.  

Note Field trips and additional class time required. Course meets PA and national program requirements for certification and NFPA 1670 standards.  Spring semester only. 

Prerequisite PKMT 110 or permission of instructor.

A. List five character traits of a ranger. 

B. Cite common duties and responsibilities of a ranger. 

C. Demonstrate proper contact of a person(s) who has violated park rules or regulations and list the hazards associated with this contact. 

D. Analyze the operation of the Emergency Management Agency. 

E. Properly assess an accident site and determine if it is safe to enter. 

F. Package a patient with injuries and work as part of a team to transport patient by litter. 

G. Meet minimum standards for certification for the following: Water Rescue for the First Responder, Water Rescue and Emergency Response, Ice Rescue and Emergency Response, Advanced Line Systems Rescue. 

Content
A. Visitor services  

B. Park ranger duties and responsibilities 

C. Visitor contact safety and precautions 

D. Communications and public relations 

E. Search and rescue equipment 

F. Water Rescue for the First Responder - NFPA 1670 Awareness Level 

G. Water Rescue and Emergency Response - NFPA 1670 Operations Level 

H. Ice Rescue and Emergency Response - NFPA 1670 Technician Level 

I. Advanced Line Systems Rescue - NFPA 1670 Technician Level 

J. Patient packaging 

Student Evaluation
Evaluation will be based upon examinations, assignments, projects and attendance of field trips.  Means of determining final grade will be reviewed with students at the beginning of the semester. Bibliography
Echaore-McDavid, Susan. Career Opportunities in Law Enforcement, Security, and Protective Services.  New York: Facts on File, 2000. 

Forgey, William. Wilderness Medicine: Beyond First Aid. Guilford: Globe Pequot, 2000. 

Smith, Bruce, and Allen Padgett. On Rope: North American Vertical Rope Techniques. Huntsville: National Speleological Society, 1996. 

Tiltion, Buck, and Frank Hubbell. Medicine for the Backcountry. Guilford: Globe Pequot, 1994. 

Walbridge, Charlie. American Canoe Association’s River Safety Report 1996-1999. Birmingham: Menasha Ridge, 2000. 

Walbridge, Charles, and Wayne A. Sundmacher, Sr. Whitewater Rescue Manual: New Techniques for Canoeists, Kayakers, and Rafters. Camden: Ragged Mountain, 1995. 

Other 

This course exposes the student to a variety of environmental conditions and hazards. The students must be able to swim, handle one’s self underwater, be in good physical condition, and be prepared to deal with changing environmental and weather conditions. Students with limitations, as outlined in PFBC guidelines, will not be permitted to participate in portions of the training.