Keep your head

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 454, 22 September 1992, Page 15 (Supplement)

Keep your head

Ski patroller Michael Lamont writes about the risks in losing control while releasing your skiing potential energy:

Sore head Concussion - with or without loss of consciousness - is the next most prevalent injury on the skifield. This is a serious injury as each time a person suffers concussion some brain function is permanently lost. A bang on the head which results in a loss of consciousness - even a few seconds - must be treated seriously. If you think you may

be concussed you should stop skiing, seek assistance and be thoroughly checked out by the ski patrol doctor. Ski helmets As a safety measure many ski patrollers are recommending the wearing of safety helmets while skiing. If children have skateboard or cycle helmets - they should also wear them skiing. Lacerations (cuts) to the head and upper body are becoming more common. The cause is contact with the sharp ski edge during a fall. Good common sense is the appropriate first aid - stop the bleeding with

direct pressure and then seek ski patrol assistance. Other upper body injuries becoming more common are fractures of the wrist caused by a fall onto the outstretched hand. Any apparent bony deformity needs to be seen by the ski patrol. With all injuries the most appropriate treatment in the early stages is RICE. By doing these simple things, it is much easier for the ski patroller, physiotherapist or doctor to examine your injury. A good examination gives a good diagnosis and that means effective treatment and early rehabilitation.