Vermont’s Ski Patrol Eligible for Vaccination

Don Tinney, a high school English teacher and president of Vermont-NEA, said he’s hoping for clear answers about when teachers, who are required to work in-person, will be vaccinated.“As the governor seeks to return to full in-school learning, the vaccination of school employees will be essential for the health and safety of students, educators, and the community,” Tinney said. “And at a time when the state hasn’t even finished vaccinating the most vulnerable, as apparently was a top priority just the other day, we and all Vermonters need clarity around when school employees will begin to receive the vaccine.”

Several hospitals near Vermont ski areas confirmed they have vaccinated members of ski patrol, and say they’re often health care workers or members of other local emergency response groups. State officials say ski patrollers can receive the vaccine regardless of whether they’re a health care worker with another organization.

“They still fit the category of being a first responder who’s directly in contact with a human being who is often in a vulnerable situation, and for a long time, because of the nature of the work they do,” said Mark Levine, commissioner of the Vermont Department of Health.

Many in charge of distributing vaccines agree that, given the fact that mountains are open, it’s important for patrollers who have extended contact with patients to be protected. Hospital representatives also say many ski patrollers also serve with Emergency Medical Services, and that their top priority rests mainly with vaccinating as many qualified people as possible with the available supply.

Trey Dobson, chief medical officer at Southern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington, said the hospital has vaccinated members of ski patrol from nearby mountains like Stratton, Bromley and Mount Snow. They’ve also begun vaccinating members of local law enforcement.

Dobson said the hospital is now vaccinating more than 200 people a day, and his goal is to work quickly to vaccinate as many members of the community as possible.

“We’ve been lucky,” he said. “We’ve gotten enough vaccine that we are open to all health care workers, law enforcement and first responders. And we want to continue to support that.”

Ry Young, public relations manager for Mad River Glen, a co-op style ski resort in Fayston known for attracting locals, said ski patrollers have been vaccinated according to the needs of patrollers, some of whom are elderly or have underlying conditions. Many, he said, also work on local rescue squads.

“In the event that something happens on the hill and they need to tend to a patient, not knowing whether they’re infected or not — it’s just another line of defense,” he said.

Gerianne Smart, spokesperson with Rutland Regional Medical Center, said the hospital began vaccinating ski patrollers from Killington last week.

“We have vaccinated them because they deal with patients and people who are injured,” she said. “These are people, a lot of times, from out of state, and then they would end up coming to the hospital. So there’s a lot involved.”

Killington Fire and Rescue Chief Gary Roth confirmed that EMS workers in Killington have already been vaccinated, and Rutland City Police Chief Brian Kilcullen said the department is now working with the state to organize vaccinations for officers.

“Just yesterday, we received notice that first responders who have some responsibility in caring for or transporting those who require medical attention are in the mix for the vaccination,” Kilcullen said. “We’re in the process of compiling our roster to send it to the state.”