Toboggan Safety

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) would like to remind parents and children of some basic toboggan/sledding safety tips as the winter season continues. Injuries may result from collisions with stationary objects on the hill, such as trees or rocks, or even collisions with other people. Unprotected falls can also result in more serious injury if you lose control at high speeds. However, everyone can be safe and have fun on the toboggan hill by following these simple reminders.

Equipment

• Always ensure your toboggan or sledding device is in good repair. Inspect it for any damaged or missing parts before each use;
• Be certain the operator is fully capable of staying in control of the sled at all times;
• Children should wear a certified, properly fitted helmet designed for other high impact sports such as hockey, cycling, or climbing.

Hazards

• Avoid hills that are too steep or too icy;
• Choose hills free of all obstacles such as trees, rocks, utility poles,
  or fences;
• Beware of loose scarves or clothing containing drawstrings which could present a strangulation hazard if they become caught or snagged.

Plan ahead

• Dress warmly in layers and anticipate weather changes;
• Consider bringing extra sets of gloves and toques to exchange wet garments for dry ones;
• Take breaks, out of the cold, to warm up;
• Ensure frostbite hasn’t affected any exposed skin;
• Even when properly protected from the elements, the finger tips, toes, ears, the tip of the nose, and other high points on the face such as the forehead and cheek bones can be affected by frostbite;
• If frost bite has occurred, treat it by first removing the individual out of the cold environment;
• Gently warm the affected skin by placing a warm hand over it, or by placing the affected part in warm, not hot, water, until re-warmed.