While many Canadians head into holiday vacations and are looking forward to outdoor activities, an injury prevention charity is advising them to manage their risks.
The most dangerous winter sports likely to result in injury and hospitalization are snowboarding and skiing, says Alex Kelly, a spokesperson with the charity Parachute. The injuries they most commonly cause are fractures and head trauma.
Approved helmets reduce risk
Going down hills this way is twice as likely to result in a hospital stay as is playing hockey. The most common injury in that sport is concussion. Kelly says people in all these sports can reduce the risk of head trauma by wearing helmets.
Sometimes wearing a helmet is mandatory, but regulations vary among provinces and sports. They are more likely to be required for organized sports than for casual recreation.
“Something like tobogganing (in) which you’re sledding down a hill, it’s a little bit more casual, people don’t tend to think of helmets as being important, when in actuality it’s a great way to protect yourself from injury,” says Kelly.
Listen‘Check terrain’
Sledders should also check the terrain, she says, for rocks, holes, ice and to make sure the hill doesn’t lead onto a road, river or railway. And it’s never a good idea to slide down a hill on one’s back or stomach going head first, but rather kneeling or sitting, which better protects the spine and head.
Snowmobiling is another sport that can cause serious injury. Kelly says it should be treated like a car in that people should never drive after drinking, those under 16 years old should not drive and she suggests those under six should not ride on them at all because they risk being thrown off.
Look out for thin ice
Snowmobilers should stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost or hitting obstacles. Injuries or death sometimes occur when people go out on ice that is too thin. Kelly suggests contacting local authorities to see whether the ice is thick enough and when in doubt, to avoid it altogether. And she says people should make sure to wear enough clothing to keep warm and have equipment that functions well.
Have fun, be careful
Kelly says it’s a great time to get outdoors and have fun. Parachute encourages it, but suggests that before going out, parents have a chat with their children about managing the risks, and that they be good role models by wearing helmets or taking other precautions themselves.
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