Sledding injuries more common

    2056

    By Aileen Taylor

    Even with soft Utah snow, winter activities may not be as safe as you think. With the increase in snowfall this winter, more people are anxious to head for the hills. However, injuries, unlike the slopes, are going uphill.

    Even though most individuals experience only minor injuries from winter activities, the most commonplace activities can still pose lifestyle-threatening situations.

    Although sledding may be one of the least expensive winter activities, the price can be high.

    “Sledding is more dangerous than skiing or many other snow sports,” says Alaina Turner, a junior, majoring in advertising from Richland, Wash. “The difference is that when skiing, you have brake systems which allow more control whereas with sledding, I found myself at the mercy of the snow and the sled.”

    Tubing can also get dirty. Tubing generally involves a younger age group, but accidents happen regardless of age. Head injuries are the most dangerous of injuries; unfortunately, concussions are the most likely injury to occur from tubing.

    “The most life-threatening situations are when victims suffer head injuries,” said Renee Holleran, clinical manager of the Emergency Department at the University Hospitals and Clinics.

    The draw of winter activities seems to be racing down a hill — and some make the ride more thrilling with creative ways to mix up the joyride. Unfortunately, others have found themselves with permanent damages that weren”t worth “just one more time” down the hill.

    Turner had a frightful experience when sledding with some friends that has impacted her perspective on the once-pleasant activity.

    “I went to the top of the hill and flew off a jump that I didn”t think was too big,” Turner said. “I was riding one of those disk sleds and so my tailbone took the impact of the landing. Right away I felt excruciating pain … I tried to rest for a few days at home … eventually I went to the doctor because the pain never eased. I found out that my vertebrae had been permanently deformed … I don”t think I”ll ever sled again.”

    Winter sports and activities appeal to all ages — especially for those with an active lifestyle. However, it is mostly healthy young adults between the ages of eleven to twenty-seven that become victims of these accidents.

    Young males are targeted even more when it comes to injuries.

    “Men are risk takers,” says Robin Ebmeyer, clinical educator at the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. “Even in our trauma numbers, there are always more men.”

    Surprisingly enough, “[Women] are catching up,” adds Holleran.

    If you do find yourself or a friend in an accident, Ebmeyer encourages that you follow a few simple steps. First, hold still and wait to see what hurts. Don”t get up too quickly.

    Next, do a little assessment. If the injury is to a friend, ask him or her questions of orientation, such as “what is your name, how old are you, what is the date, etc.” Ask him or her where the pain is coming from, and then look at the area specifically.

    Holleran said if numbness, tingling or immobility occurs, go immediately to the emergency room. Being able to walk doesn”t mean that you haven”t broken or injured anything.

    When in the mountains, if you hit a tree or fall, ask for help — that”s what the ski patrol is there for. If you are down in the community areas, call the fire department. Most people underestimate injuries to the neck and back. Call to be safe.

    If there are any additional questions related to an injury, call your doctor or the emergency room.

    A few precautions should be taken to avoid getting injured when sledding. First and foremost, be careful and avoid risks.

    “Back up and think for a second about what you are doing,” Ebmeyer said.

    If you are not in a condition to be sledding, skiing, snowboarding, etc., don”t do it. Stay in areas that are well trimmed and groomed, and don”t go into back areas.

    Especially stay away from avalanche areas; they are extremely dangerous this season. The ski resorts are doing the best they can to control avalanche danger by causing avalanches where they see potential.

    “There has been a direct relationship between the increased snowfall and the increase in avalanches as well as victims,” Ebmeyer said.

    Avalanche victims have limited time of survival: most die from being crushed in the heavy rocks and debris that are mixed in with the snow. Rescue teams will only search for fifteen minutes to a half hour because the victims have such a slim chance.

    The best defense is to stay in big, wide, open areas that are clear of trees as well as large rocks, and avoiding areas that are blocked off.

    Print Friendly, PDF & Email