I never wore a helmet (except when riding my bike) as a child. But now it seems as though kids are wearing them for every winter sport! Is it really that important?
Rita L. emailed us at expert@ sweetspot.ca, and Pamela Fuselli from Safe Kids Canada, answered;
Winter is definitely here, and your kids can’t wait to get outside. Before you send them racing down the hills, here are a few things you need to know about helmets and winter sports.
First, let’s start with the stats:
- Head injuries are the most common cause of death among skiers and snowboarders around the globe.
- While there isn’t as much detail about tobogganing, in Canada over 600 children will visit an emergency room every year due to a sledding-related injury.
- Traumatic brain injuries are on the rise and account for 67 per cent of skier deaths in children on the slopes.
Why do kids get injured?
We know that beginner skiers and snowboarders are most susceptible to injury. In fact, beginner snowboarders are more likely to suffer head injuries (and more severe ones) than beginner skiers.
Children and adolescents have more head and neck injuries than adults, possibly due to a number of factors unique to children. For example, children have immature muscles and bones that could cause more falls. Children tire sooner from the physical activity. Children often wear ski equipment that is too big or too small because they grow from one ski season to the next.
Do helmets really work?
YES! Ski helmets are designed to resist impact. A number of research studies have shown that ski and snowboard helmets are effective at preventing head injuries. For every 10 people who wear a helmet, up to six may avoid head injuries.
Studies show that even at a speed of 19km/h, a ski helmet can minimize brain damage.
Ski helmets are also recommended for tobogganing, because they are designed for use in cold weather and for similar falls and speeds. The added bonus? Helmets keep your kids toasty warm while keeping them safe!
Remember, your child’s best role model is you. If you want him to wear a helmet, you should wear one too – go ahead and put a lid on it!
Pamela Fuselli was appointed Executive Director in 2008 to oversee all functions of Safe Kids Canada, moving from the Director, Programs & Services. Pamela has worked in the unintentional injury prevention sector for ten years and prior to that she worked at The Hospital for Sick Children.
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