"Wear a helmet" experts tell skiers and snowboarders
Publication Date:04/12/2007
Serious head and spine injuries are becoming more common among skiers and snowboarders, according to new research. If you have plans to ski this winter, wearing a helmet is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself.
What do we know already?
About 40 million skiers take to the slopes each year, with snowboarding also becoming more and more popular. Like all high-speed sports, skiing and snowboarding carry a risk of injury.
To make sure skiers and snowboarders are aware of the risks, and the steps they can take to reduce them, researchers from Canada have looked through all the existing research on winter sports injuries, and offered advice about how to prevent accidents.
What does the new study say?
Reports from several countries show that head and spine injuries are becoming more common, even though the overall injury rate among skiers and snowboarders has fallen. One study from the US indicates, for example, that the percentage of head injuries in skiing and snowboarding among children (age 15 and under) as a percentage of all injuries increased from 14 percent in 1993 to 22 percent in 1997.
Although brain and spine injuries only happen in a very small proportion of accidents, these injuries are more likely to lead to serious disability or death.
Head and spine injuries may be on the increase partly because of snowboarding styles that involve acrobatics and tricks. Studies have found that snowboarders are between one-and-a-half times and four times more likely to have accidents than skiers. Men are more likely than women to get seriously injured, and those under 35 years old are at higher risk of brain injury.
Where does the study come from?
The study was done by the ThinkFirst Foundation of Canada, which aims to educate young people about brain and spine injuries. It appeared in the medical journal Injury Prevention, published by the BMJ.
What does this mean for me?
If you're going skiing or snowboarding, it makes sense to protect yourself. The researchers found several studies which showed that helmets reduce injury rates. They also found that the most serious injuries usually happen to people not wearing a helmet.
Some people worry that a helmet could increase the risk of neck injury, but there's no clear research showing this. The researchers say it doesn't make sense to miss out on the benefits of a helmet because of an unproven chance of neck injuries.
Many countries promote a responsibility code for skiers and snowboarders. These often include the following advice:
- Take lessons if you're a beginner. Make sure your coach is a qualified professional
- Never ski or snowboard alone
- Give way to people ahead of you
- Keep off closed trails
- Properly check and maintain your equipment
- Always stay in control, and keep alert to warnings and hazards.
What should I do now?
The researchers' advice is clear. If you're going skiing or snowboarding, wear a helmet. Look for a good-quality model that's been properly tested. For example, check for the European CE safety marking or American Snell certification. Many ski resorts rent helmets quite cheaply.
It's also important for a helmet to fit properly. Children shouldn't wear a larger helmet with the idea that they'll grow into it.
From:
Ackery A, Hagel BE, Provvidenza C, et al. An international review of head and spinal cord injuries in alpine skiing and snowboarding. Injury Prevention. 2007; 13: 368-375.
News Archive
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited ("BMJ Group") 2007. All rights reserved
This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.
