To operate our own ski area responsibly, Proctor must maintain a trained Ski Patrol. The gravity (sorry) of the job only enhances the teaching opportunity, and Proctor Ski Patrol is another stellar example of experiential learning at this school. Prior to yesterday's ski jumping meet, Saka played the role of injured jumper in a training "scenario". The deal is she's landed horribly and has twisted her right knee way beyond anatomic parameters. In response to her screams, Ski Patrol responds and stabilizes the contorted limb:
"Somebody please just shoot me!" Saka shrieks, adding to the moment's awful realism. Soon, a splint is applied; Saka is lifted onto a litter; she is wrapped from head-to-toe in yellow plastic and her body is evacuated to an imaginary ambulance. The scenario complete, the jumping meet proceeds. Gunnar soars:
"Wass" flies confident in the knowledge that Proctor Ski Patrol awaits if he were to land horribly.
Over on the Blackwater River floodplain, John--in shorts--applies a tag on coach Ross Young in a cross-country training game.
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