Promoting safety awareness and education in adventure recreation.

Established in 2000, the Pacific Alpine Institute (PAI) is located in the Sea to Sky Corridor, British Columbia, Canada. The PAI was created to fulfill a growing need to provide outdoor education in the communities of Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton.

Our courses are designed for individuals who are pursuing a career in the guiding and ski patrol industries. The courses also attract the everyday outdoor enthusiast who knows that first aid, avalanche awareness, and navigation training can ultimately save a life. Our instructors have taught courses to students and groups (both public and private) from around the world.

Our courses are recognized as pre-requisites for acceptance into the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) and for employment at various guiding outfits and ski patrols including Whistler and Blackcomb Patrol.

PRESS RELEASE

September 15, 2020

The Pacific Alpine Institute (PAI) is excited to announce a transfer of ownership, effective September 15, 2020. New owner, Catherine Malette of Squamish, BC., has a long history of First Aid and Paramedic Service in the Sea to Sky Corridor.

Catherine Malette began instructing first aid for the PAI in 2008. Prior to that she was an Outdoor Emergency Care Technician with Whistler Mountain Ski Patrol. Catherine’s enthusiasm for first aid also inspired her to become a Primary Care Paramedic in 2008, an Advanced Care Paramedic in 2016, and onto becoming a Critical Care Paramedic in 2019, most recently working on an Airvac crew.

The PAI, since its inception in 2000, has been the “go to” for Outdoor Emergency Care training in the Sea to Sky corridor. With the help of an amazing team of dedicated and knowledgeable instructors, the PAI has continually adapted to industry requirements, employer mandates, and has been a leader in the instruction of outdoor first aid.

Current owners Gwen Milley and Suzanne Clarke are confident in Catherine’s ability to manage and pivot the company, while embracing new technology and updated first aid techniques.

“I aspire to continue leading this incredible group with the same passion and dedication that both Gwen and Suzanne have displayed over the years. The success of the PAI is definitely owed to their hard work, kindness, flexibility and ability to create and lead an amazing group of instructors and students,” Malette affirms.

She is committed to the original mission of ‘Promoting safety awareness and education in adventure recreation’ and to ensuring the PAI’s reputation will continue to speak for itself.

“I am excited for this coming season,” Malette continues. “And I look forward to seeing you all very soon.”

Gwen and Suzanne will assist Catherine’s transition into the ownership role, providing direction and advice through the end of 2020.

A sequenced, competency-based 110 hour education program, with certification issued by the National Ski Patrol (NSP), this course prepares candidates without previous first aid training to handle the emergency care problems seen in the snow sports and guiding industry.

The knowledge and skills learned are oriented toward an outdoor setting, with special emphasis on ski and snowboard injuries, high altitude and cold weather illness, wilderness extrications, and the special equipment first-aiders need for emergency care and transportation in the outdoor environment. Students are required to participate in comprehensive lessons with skill and scenario application; complete various study book exercises; take a final written exam; and demonstrate their skills and knowledge in final scenarios.

A CPR-BLS (previously known as health care provider) course which covers the use of an Automated External Defibrillation (AED), airway and oxygen management is included in the course schedule and cost.

Upon successfully completing the exam the candidate will receive the Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) technician certification and a CPR-BLS ticket. The courses are widely recognized in the outdoor community and will provide the participants with the certification required to gain entry into ski/bike patrolling and/or guiding.

Our OEC curriculum is delivered by a partner organization, the Pacific Alpine Institute.

Contact us directly if you have any questions – info@pacificalpineinstitute.com or 604-935-0864.