The International Paralympic Committee's Alpine Skiing and Snowboard arm has joined forces with the Federation Internationale des Patrouilles de Ski (FIPS) to work on the initiative.

Para-athletes face unique requirements if they are involved in a crash while competing, but there is currently no standard worldwide approach for their rescue.

With an increasing number of competitions now taking place across the world, it is felt that now is the right time to work on a uniform approach.

The long-term aim of the partnership with FIPS is to train ski patrols in each country and regions, which will help amateur as well as elite Para-athletes.

Peter Van de Vliet, the IPC's medical and scientific director, gave a presentation on the issue at the Congress of FIPS, an organisation representing ski patrols and safety groups.

"I was delighted to get the chance to present to FIPS on this crucial issue," he said.

"Para-Alpine skiing and snowboard present some very unique challenges to the planning and delivery of ski patrols.

“Safety is very important and we work to ensure that the standard of rescue is the same at all competitions, whether it is a Paralympic Winter Games or a regional Cup.

"But working towards standardised methods of extraction will help us to raise the bar even higher.

“Those present were very interested to hear the advice we give to event organisers and were keen to find out more about how they can make a contribution.

“Most importantly however is that through FIPS we can also reach out to all recreational skiers with an impairment in ski resorts, who will benefit from all ski patrols being trained to meet their particular needs.

“I look forward to developing our relationship with FIPS further to make sure we can keep pushing the envelope of safety in the sports, be it recreational or competitive.”

The next steps are to develop a formal Memorandum of Understanding between IPC Alpine Skiing and Snowboard and FIPS, develop training and course material, integrate a module into FIPS member ski patrol training courses and test example training with FIPS members.

Jean-Louis Tuaillon, President of FIPS, added: “FIPS recognises the benefit to both organisations of this partnership.

"It will ensure that all ski patrollers understand and are trained to deliver the most appropriate care to meet the specific needs of Para-athletes.”