“We want to see kids play in the snow and sled and build forts and snowmen and all sorts of stuff,” said Lisa Schwing, trauma program manager. “We want them to have fun. That’s part of growing up. But we want them to do it while they’re safe too.”
Last year, Dayton Children’s treated 31 kids injured while sledding and 12 injured while snowboarding.
Eight of those kids were admitted to the hospital with injuries ranging from broken bones to bleeding on the brain, said Schwing.
“Some of the things you can do if you’re helping your child get ready for sledding is let them know that they need to go down feet first, not head first,” she said. “...Any time you lead with your head you’re going to get in trouble.”
Schwing also advised that kids wear a bike helmet while sledding to help protect the head and keep it warm.
“The other thing is, it’s really not the snow or the sled, it’s what they run into at the bottom,” she said. “So if you pick a place that doesn’t have trees that doesn’t end in traffic or buildings or fence posts or light poles that is really a great idea.”
It also helps if kids are sledding on something that allows them to steer.
Some sleds have a rope or handles that gives kids some steering capability.
“The saucers or the inner tubes, you really don’t have any control over them,” Schwing said. “Once you’re kind of going fast, you may end up backward and not see somebody who’s right in front of your path.”
While it’s easy to lose track of time when playing in the snow, Schwing reminded parents to check on their kids to prevent frostbite.
“You should be checking your kids who are out sledding every 20 minutes or so, making sure what they have on is still dry,” she said.
Multiple layers with a waterproof outer layer and paired with a hat, mittens and multiple socks are advised, said Schwing.
For those outside shoveling snow, it’s important to take your time and know your limits.
“If you have to shovel twice that’s probably better than trying to lift 8 or 9 inches of snow,” Schwing said. “If you start hurting stop and take a break.”
For more tips on snow safety, visit www.childrensdayton.org.
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