Skiers, Snowboarders, and Safety Helmets

Abstract

AS THE WINTER OLYMPICS FOCUS THE WORLD’S ATtention on alpine sports, opportunities will arise to promote the use of personal protective equipment while skiing or snowboarding. Of the 600 000 skiand snowboard-related injuries each year, an estimated 15% to 20% are traumatic brain injuries, which are the leading cause of hospitalization and account for 50% to 88% of total deaths in skiers and snowboarders. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 44% of head injuries sustained during skiing and snowboarding could be prevented by the use of helmets and that the use of helmets for children could reduce head injuries during these activities in this group by 53%. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that helmets are associated with up to a 60% reduction in the risk of head injuries and that their use does not appear associated with an increased incidence of cervical spine or neck injury. Despite compelling evidence in support of helmet wear, a recent observational study of 1472 children at a western New York ski resort found that only 37% wore a helmet while skiing and snowboarding, whereas other studies have reported that helmets are worn by only 12% of the general ski and snowboard population. Those who argue that helmets are not fashionable are correct in pointing out that helmets are not yet well integrated into the culture of skiing and snowboarding. With this in mind, what needs to be done for helmets to become a part of the ski and snowboard culture so that the slopes will be safer for everyone?