1. Snowsports and Mountain Biking Emergencies
Chapter 14
Snowsports and Mountain Biking Emergencies

2. Objectives (1 of 2)
Describe injuries and illnesses caused by exposure to certain environmental conditions.
Describe basic types of snowsports (fixed heel, free heel, snowboard, cross country, tubing) accidents and common injuries resulting from each accident type.

3. Objectives (2 of 2)
Describe the safety aspects of modern snowsports equipment.
Describe methods of preventing accidents.
Describe common off-road bicycling injuries.

4. Snowsports Injuries Overall injury rates have declined due to:
More experienced participants
Better instruction
Better equipment
Better trail grooming

5. Fatalities Accident Types Fatalities/Year (average)
Skiing and snowboarding 34
Lightning strikes 89
Bathtub falls
300
Auto accidents
42,000

6. Snowsports Risk Factors
Higher participant densities
Time of day
Lower 1/3 of race course
Snow conditions

7. Alpine Skiing Injuries
Rates have steadily declined
Relatively safe when compared with other outdoor recreational activities
Mechanisms
Rotational
Nonrotational

8. Alpine Skiing Injuries (1 of 4)
Ankle
Boot-top fracture
Spiral fractures
Knee
ACL sprains
MCL sprains
Phantom foot syndrome

9. Alpine Skiing Injuries (2 of 4)
Thigh, hip, and pelvis
Contusions
Lacerations
Fractures (femur, pelvis)
Hand
Skier’s thumb

10. Alpine Skiing Injuries (3 of 4)
Upper extremity (nearly 11% of all injuries)
Dislocations
Humeral
Acromioclavicular separations
Fractures
Clavicle
Wrist (silver fork)

11. Alpine Skiing Injuries (4 of 4)
Overuse injuries
Multiple body parts
Head and chest
Collisions with fixed objects
Leading cause in fatalities

12. Snowboarding Injuries
Overall rate is only slightly higher than skiing
Risks for beginners is nearly the same as for new skiers
Riders sustain more injuries that require immediate medical attention

13. Snowboarding Risks When compared to skiing:
Higher risk of upper extremity injury
Twice the risk of fracture
Males = ankle and lower leg injuries
Females = wrist and knee injuries

14. Snowboarding MOIs MOIs are different from those in skiing
Generally due to impact
Historically, less formal instruction
Less familiarity with mountain environment

15. Snowboarding Injury Types (1 of 4)
Lower extremities
60% fewer than skiers
“Air” leads to ACL injuries
Ankle injuries are common
Snowboarder’s ankle (talus fracture)

16. Snowboarding Injury Types (2 of 4)
Abdominal, thoracic, and back
Risk of spinal injuries is the same as for skiers
Injuries to the spleen are more frequent
Blunt thoracic trauma is 2nd leading cause in fatalities

17. Snowboarding Injury Types (3 of 4)
Upper extremity
More than 50% of all riding injuries
Wrist
Young, females, beginners
Hand, elbow, and shoulder
Male, intermediate, expert
FOOSH

18. Snowboarding Injury Types (4 of 4)
Head
Rare, but leading cause in fatalities
Occurs usually with a fall backward
Impact to occiput
Collisions

19. Telemark Injuries Third most popular winter sport at ski areas
Newer high performance equipment has led to injuries similar to alpine skiing.
Release bindings may decrease injury risks.

20. Nordic Skiing Various types of gear and locales
Featherweight skis and boots
Traditional wax or waxless skis and heavier leather boots
Parabolic skis and tall plastic boots
7 million nordic skiers in U.S.

21. Nordic Skiing Injuries
Injury rate is small, 0.5/1000 visits
Common types:
Cold-related, ie, frostbite, hypothermia
Equal amounts of upper and lower extremity injuries caused by falls
Overuse (Skier’s toe)
Eye (rare)
Avalanche (rare)

22. Snowblade Injuries New trend Easy to learn Non-release bindings
Common types:
Upper extremity injuries similar to snowboarders
Boot-top and spiral tib/fib fractures

23. Tubing Injuries New trend No or limited steering No braking
Common types:
Head and spine
Fractures, isolated and multiple
Soft tissue
Injuries result from collisions and rollovers

24. Snowmobile Injuries Common types: Lower extremity
About 50% are fractures
Spinal injuries
Head and neck trauma
Lower back pain
Overuse injuries (Raynaud’s syndrome)
Avalanche

25. Snowmobile Risk Factors
Multiple riders
Excessive speed
Alcohol and drug use
Improper equipment
Night riding
Unfamiliar or avalanche terrain
Jumping

26. Mountain Biking Make up majority of bikes sold in U.S.
Many ski areas promote activity.
IMBA, NORBA, and NSP helped found the National Mountain Bike Patrol.
Offers training in OEC, trail etiquette, and environmental issues

27. Mountain Biking Injuries (1 of 2)
80% of riders will be injured
MOIs include high speed and steep terrain
Demographics of riders and injuries
Males, late teens to late 30s
Multiple injuries tend to occur.
25% require medical care.
90% occur off-road.
Serious head injuries are rare.

28. Mountain Biking Injuries (2 of 2)
Common types:
Abrasions, most frequent
Contusions
Lacerations
Fractures, typically of the clavicle
Often the injured will self-evacuate

29. Injury Prevention (1 of 2)
Maintain physical conditioning.
Use and maintain good equipment.
Use retention devices on the slopes.
Ski or ride within your ability.
Attune to your surroundings.
Avoid intoxication.

30. Injury Prevention (2 of 2)
Maintain adequate nutrition.
When tired or cold, stop, rest, drink, and eat.
Dress appropriately.
Follow your Responsibility Code.
Carry survival equipment when skiing out of area.
Use high-quality eyewear.
If you choose to wear a helmet, assure that it fits properly and is appropriate for the activity.