Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Ashley Legassic

SAFETY ON THE SLOPES

Meet me après — but not in the hospital

Jan 15, 2020 | 12:21 PM

VANCOUVER — For those looking to shred some gnar thanks to the plentiful snowfall so far this year — Trauma Services BC (TSBC) is urging outdoor enthusiasts to take caution on the slopes.

In a news release, the Provincial Health Services Authority says despite a 12 per cent drop in injuries in the 2018/19 winter season, five-year statistics show the rate of hospitalizations for ski and snowboard injuries in the province is increasing.

“B.C. is home to some of the best ski resorts in the world and skiing and snowboarding is a great way to stay active during the winter season, but it comes with an element of risk,” said Dr. David Evans, medical director for TSBC, and trauma surgeon at Vancouver General Hospital in a news release. “The good news is that most injuries are preventable by simply wearing a helmet, avoiding excessive speed or reckless behaviour and learning how to lower your risk of injury. This helps reduce the chances of injuries, lengthy hospital stays, permanent disability and even death.”

Image Credit: Canva

In the 2014/15 winter season, 418 people were hospitalized in B.C. with injuries caused by skiing or snowboarding, PHSA says. Over the next three winters those numbers increased, peaking during the 2017/18 season with 573 people being hospitalized.

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“Continuing to ski or snowboard when you become physically tired increases your risk of falling and injuring yourself,” said Micheline Wiebe, provincial director of TSBC in the release. “It is important to also know your limitations and know when to call it a day, ensuring proper rest.”

TIPS FOR REDUCING RISK ON THE SLOPES

• Stay in bounds, observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed trails.
• Stay in control and stay within your abilities.
• Remember that people ahead of you have the right-of-way.
• Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield.
• Watch out for ice, obstacles, other people and trees.
• Learn about tree wells and how to reduce your risk.