2008 Woodie Awards
Freshman volunteers for ski patrol
Patroller must ski runs daily, respond to emergencies
Kelly MacDonald, Staff Writer
Issue date: 12/5/06
Last Updated: 12/29/07
This medical knowledge of techniques used as a first responder led Dawson to the medical field. He plans to major in athletic training
"It was the start of my career. I'm going into the medical field," Dawson said. "I'm passionate about this."
As a volunteer Dawson receives no compensation for his work. He must work at least 16 days a season while maintaining a full schedule at Whitworth, but he works far more days than that.
A friend of Dawson, freshman Travis Tully, is an avid snowboarder who witnessed Dawson attend to a call.
"He was really professional about it," Tully said. "There's a lot of people who don't know what they are doing. There's a definite need for the ski patrol. I think it's cool he's making the mountain safer."
Dawson must be ready for a 8:30 a.m. team meeting each day he works at the base of the mountain. He leaves about a half an hour after the chair lift stops. The conditions may be harsh but he endures them.
"I have to be able to ski any run in almost any condition," Dawson said.
What Dawson likes most about his work is helping people in need and learning.
"I've learned how to help people and I can apply it on and off the hill," he said. "I've learned how to communicate with people. What to say, and what not to say."
He said the people he helps are very thankful.
"They are surprised when they don't have to pay anything," Dawson said. The victims are treated free of charge.
Phil has also begun teaching all that he has learned by becoming an Outdoor Emergency Course Instructor.
Dawson also became an example for his sister who has now begun to train to be a ski patroller.
Dawson loves to help people but he also does not mind that it gives him a chance to do what he loves best, snowboarding.
"It gives you such a rush. But it also can really calm you down," Dawson said.
Most importantly however, is his commitment to maintaining the safety of the mountain he serves.
"My job as a ski patroller is to make the mountain a safe and happy place for the public," Dawson said.
"It was the start of my career. I'm going into the medical field," Dawson said. "I'm passionate about this."
As a volunteer Dawson receives no compensation for his work. He must work at least 16 days a season while maintaining a full schedule at Whitworth, but he works far more days than that.
A friend of Dawson, freshman Travis Tully, is an avid snowboarder who witnessed Dawson attend to a call.
"He was really professional about it," Tully said. "There's a lot of people who don't know what they are doing. There's a definite need for the ski patrol. I think it's cool he's making the mountain safer."
Dawson must be ready for a 8:30 a.m. team meeting each day he works at the base of the mountain. He leaves about a half an hour after the chair lift stops. The conditions may be harsh but he endures them.
"I have to be able to ski any run in almost any condition," Dawson said.
What Dawson likes most about his work is helping people in need and learning.
"I've learned how to help people and I can apply it on and off the hill," he said. "I've learned how to communicate with people. What to say, and what not to say."
He said the people he helps are very thankful.
"They are surprised when they don't have to pay anything," Dawson said. The victims are treated free of charge.
Phil has also begun teaching all that he has learned by becoming an Outdoor Emergency Course Instructor.
Dawson also became an example for his sister who has now begun to train to be a ski patroller.
Dawson loves to help people but he also does not mind that it gives him a chance to do what he loves best, snowboarding.
"It gives you such a rush. But it also can really calm you down," Dawson said.
Most importantly however, is his commitment to maintaining the safety of the mountain he serves.
"My job as a ski patroller is to make the mountain a safe and happy place for the public," Dawson said.
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