Many of the injuries seen at the Student Health and Wellness Center lately are related to winter sports. For example, in the last two weeks, the SHWC has seen nine snowboard injuries. These injuries range from bumps and bruises, to fractures of the leg and tailbone. Some of the injuries could be blamed on the quality of the snow on Mt. Ashland, which was minimal and icy at the time, but skiing or snowboarding in prime conditions can still be hazardous to your health.
Skiing or snowboarding can reach speeds of 30 miles per hour or higher and subsequent head injuries cause the greatest number of fatalities at snow resorts in the United States. Young males, beginners and people who are not physically conditioned are more likely to suffer a winter sports injury. Young males have a higher incidence of injury related to aerial maneuvers, possibly because young males are more likely to try aerial maneuvers!
Snowboarders have twice the injury as skiers. Boarders are more likely to injure an upper extremity such as the wrist or collar bone by attempting to break their fall with their hand or arm. Skiers are more likely to suffer lower extremity trauma to the knee and lower leg secondary to torque placed on the knee and lower leg ligaments.
Hazards that affect skiers and boarders alike are snow blindness and snow immersion. Snow blindness is caused by overexposure to the sun’s UV rays bouncing off of snow to the eyes. Eye pain and impaired vision can occur up to 10 hours later. A rare, but deadly accident can result when a skier or boarder lands head first into deep snow or a tree well. Snow immersion can cause suffocation and victims often panic causing more snow to cover them. In this case, dig snow away from your face and slowly rock your body to free yourself.
Winter sports injuries can be prevented by wearing protective equipment such as a helmet, wrist splints and goggles. Make sure to check the equipment for safety before use, especially if the equipment is borrowed. Know the ski area or carry a map. Ski in areas with widely spaced obstacles and ski with a partner. If you are injured or come upon an injured person, send for the Ski Patrol. If someone is injured, make sure to alert skiers above the accident to prevent further injury.
