PEDIATRIC INJURIES ON AN ARTIFICIAL SKI SLOPE

Skiing on artificial ski slopes is enjoyed by a large number of childr en, but the rate and types of injuries amongst young skiers is unknown . During a 1 year prospective study the rate of injury was one per 394 h skied. One hundred and twelve children sustained 116 injuries, incl uding 52 fractures. The ratio of tipper to lower limb injuries was 4.5 to 1, with the thumb being the most commonly injured site. Although m ost injuries resulted from simple falls, five of the 12 patients with the most severe injuries (requiring admission), had injured themselves by crashing into the barrier al the bottom. It is concluded that the rate of injury to children an this artificial ski slope is unacceptabl y high. Measures are suggested to improve safety for children. These i nclude: increasing supervision, carefully controlling numbers, enforci ng the use of thumbless mittens with restrictions on the use of ski po les, increasing the 'run-off' area and improving padding on the barrie rs at the bottom. The different requirements of children from adults d eserve consideration when introducing them to what were once 'adult' s ports.