The tragic death of Natasha Richardson this week once again highlighted the fact that no outdoor activity is without risk. The fact that she died from a head injury and was not wearing a helmet reignited the debate about helmets on the slopes - in particular whether their use should be made mandatory. From what we know about her accident (and I fully acknowledge that we do not know the full facts) it would appear that she was extremely unlucky. What seems to have been a fairly innocuous fall onto soft snow on a beginner slope initially left her feeling ok, but within an hour or so her condition had deteriorated and she died from an intra-cerebral bleed. My sincerest sympathies to Liam Neeson, their children and all her family and friends.
The world's media descended en mass - all wanting to speak about how dangerous skiing is and why shouldn't everyone wear a helmet? My opinion on this remains as stated on my website - that I would strongly encourage - but not force - everyone to wear a helmet. I do not think though that they need to made mandatory. The rest of my opinions you can find on my site, I won't bore you with them here.
In about a month's time, I will be heading to Garmisch in Germany for ISSS 2009 - it will be interesting to hear what new information is available on helmets. At the last meeting here in Scotland, my friend Irv Scher continued to produce fantastic research on helmets and I am hoping for more of the same. I will post it up as soon as I can. In the meantime, helmet sales seem to have suddenly shot up, Scotland is braced for more snow this week coming and I am off to the Isle of Lewis for a family holiday.
Stay safe on snow- Mike
The world's media descended en mass - all wanting to speak about how dangerous skiing is and why shouldn't everyone wear a helmet? My opinion on this remains as stated on my website - that I would strongly encourage - but not force - everyone to wear a helmet. I do not think though that they need to made mandatory. The rest of my opinions you can find on my site, I won't bore you with them here.
In about a month's time, I will be heading to Garmisch in Germany for ISSS 2009 - it will be interesting to hear what new information is available on helmets. At the last meeting here in Scotland, my friend Irv Scher continued to produce fantastic research on helmets and I am hoping for more of the same. I will post it up as soon as I can. In the meantime, helmet sales seem to have suddenly shot up, Scotland is braced for more snow this week coming and I am off to the Isle of Lewis for a family holiday.
Stay safe on snow- Mike
1 comment:
It is just common sense....though I learned yesterday that wearing it properly helps as well. I hurt my throat in my violent crash. I opted to wipe out instead of taking out the older gentleman (overstatement, he left me there!). Broke my helmet, my Nikon D80 (into pieces) in my back pack, shook the brain, but the throat...I wish I had put the helmet on better. The throat; I only figured it out while in bed last night that it was bad. This morning when I put my helmet on to get back on my skis, I noticed that it was the strap that hurt my throat. It had loosened.
From now on I will ensure it is on properly. I am now due for a new helmet, this Briko has saved me 3 times....and of course, the forgotten PLUS of a helmet, they are SO comfortable and keep you warm! That is the argument that won over over a dozen friends and family to switch! They are sold for life on wearing one.
Thanks for your BLOG.
BTW, being from the Laurentians, where I also ski, the word is that NR refused to be checked out. Or it is the story used by patrollers so that you go get checked out if you feel nausea and throw up...regardless, it was a tragedy that we do not wish on anyone.
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