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| Contact: Christine Hill (612) 873-5719 |
01/06/09 |
Sledding is one of those great Minnesota winter activities. It’s fun for the entire family, but can quickly turn into a nightmare if an injury occurs. The good news is that most sledding injuries can be avoided as long as people are aware of the dangers, and preventive measures are taken. This past weekend Hennepin County Medical Center has seen a large number of trauma patients with severe injuries from sledding, prompting the Level One Trauma Center to issue a safety warning about this traditional winter sport.
According to a report issued by the CDC in June of 2008, sledding-related injuries account for nearly 11% of all outdoor recreational injuries that result in a visit to the emergency department. Some common injuries include cuts, bruises, broken bones (including backs and necks) and head injuries. As a Level 1 Trauma Center, Hennepin County Medical Center will see the most severe of these injuries.
Carla Cerra, RN, CCRC and Jennifer Fury, RN, Neurosurgery Clinical Coordinators, state Hennepin has seen a number of spine injuries from sledding activities already this winter. “That’s what prompted us to alert Minnesotans of the dangers,” says Cerra, “with several more winter months ahead, it’s important for families to know that they can still enjoy this outdoor activity while minimizing the risk for injury. Avoiding jumps, not piling too many people on one sled, and keeping alcohol out of the equation are just a few of the ways to stay safe when sledding.”
In addition to spinal injuries, another life-changing injury that can occur from a sledding mishap is a severe brain injury. “Traumatic brain injury is another devastating injury that can occur, which is why the CDC advises helmet use when sledding,” says Carol Ann Smith, RN, CNRN, Program Coordinator of Hennepin’s Traumatic Brain Injury Center. “When you consider that a typical sled can travel at speeds up to 15-20 miles per hour, it’s easy to understand how the impact can cause severe brain trauma and other injuries.”
Hennepin wants you to enjoy the winter weather while being safe. Here are some tips on how adults and children of all ages can avoid sledding injuries:
- Choose designated sledding hills with a gentle slope and long run-off area; avoid steep hills
- Avoid ice-covered hills
- Stay away from roads, lakes, rivers, heavily wooded areas, parking lots, etc.
- Make sure the sliding area is free of obstacles
- Be aware of others sliding on the hill
- Dress appropriately – layers are best because they can also help “cushion” any falls and wear a helmet
- Don’t pile too many people on one sled
- Always ride on the sled sitting and facing forward
- Avoid jumps or piles of snow that can cause a sled to become airborne
- Children under 12 should be supervised by an adult
- Children under 5 should be accompanied by an adult on the sled
- Don’t “drink and sled,” alcohol use and sledding do not mix!
- Seek medical attention if you suspect an injury
Hennepin County Medical Center is a nationally recognized Level 1 Trauma Center with the largest emergency department in Minnesota. Hennepin admits and treats the most traumatic brain injuries in the state (MN Hospital Association data), and offers interactive information about traumatic brain injuries at savethisbrain.org.
The comprehensive academic medical center and public teaching hospital includes a 446-bed acute care hospital and primary care and specialty clinics located in downtown Minneapolis, and four primary care clinics in Minneapolis and suburban Hennepin County. For the twelfth year in a row, Hennepin County Medical Center is listed in the U.S. News & World Report rankings of the top U.S. Hospitals in its annual “America’s Best Hospitals” report.
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