With spring break approaching, the Montreal Children’s Hospital Trauma Centre is reminding families to take extra precautions as children head outdoors to enjoy the last stretch of winter.
Since November, the Trauma Centre has treated more than 200 injuries linked to winter sports such as skating, skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing. Doctors say icy conditions, sliding sports and cold exposure continue to send children and teens to hospital each year.
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Head injuries remain a major concern. The hospital strongly recommends certified, properly fitted helmets for activities including hockey, skiing and sledding. Equipment should also be well maintained and suited to a child’s size and skill level.
Staff are also urging families to choose safe environments for outdoor play, avoiding icy or uneven terrain, hills that end near roads or water, and snowbanks that lead into streets. Tobogganing injuries often happen when children crash into solid objects like trees or poles.
Other seasonal risks include collapsing snow forts, limited visibility around snowplows, frostbite in extreme cold and carbon monoxide exposure from idling vehicles in enclosed spaces.
Hospital officials say that with proper supervision, appropriate gear and a little planning, families can help ensure kids enjoy winter activities safely.
