Points to Consider While Skiing

Accidents and injuries tend to increase with the ski season. Beyond inexperienced skiers, experienced skiers also face similar risks. In fact, one could argue that inexperienced skiers are often more cautious and careful. Inadequate technique or equipment deficiencies rank among the primary causes of accidents, while the knee, ankle, shoulder and wrist are the limbs most frequently injured. Altan Yalım, specialist physiotherapist at Therapy Sport Center, offered an assessment and warnings on the matter. Yalım said: "Every year more people engage in skiing. However, if this enjoyable sport is not practiced safely, unfortunately it can cause very serious problems. Having fun and sometimes not pushing boundaries is enjoyable, but our primary goal should be to protect our health. Ski accidents can cause various problems ranging from mild sprains to fractures."

Specialist physiotherapist Altan Yalım explained simple preventive measures against ski accidents and injuries as follows:

1) Skiers must be physically strong. Strengthening leg muscles before the ski season ensures balance on the slopes and protects against serious injuries in case of accidents. 2)Muscles need to be prepared for activity through light warm-up movements. Having our muscles in a warm state will prevent possible muscle tension and injuries. 3) Care must be taken not to become dehydrated. Dehydration reduces physical capacity and causes loss of endurance. We must ensure adequate water intake before beginning to ski and during skiing. 4) Those new to the season must first choose simple slopes and then progress to more difficult ones. The long period that passes until the season starts can create deficiencies both technically and in muscle adaptation. Starting with simpler slopes significantly reduces risk. 5) Another important factor in injury prevention is having good knowledge of lift operation. Approximately 90% of ski injuries on lifts occur when getting off or boarding the lift. Being careful reduces the risk of injury. 6) Equipment reliability is very important in preventing accidents before they occur. Whether your own or rented, check the safety of your equipment before each use. 7) Having someone on the slope who can see you is very important for quick intervention in injuries. The earlier intervention occurs, the lower the risk of serious injury. Avoid skiing alone on the slope. 8) Knowing how to fall is as important as skiing in a balanced manner. Trying not to fall is the most important cause of ligament tears during skiing. It is better to fall safely rather than attempting to stay upright in an unbalanced way. 9) For both our safety and that of other skiers on the slope, we must know our limitations and technical shortcomings and choose slopes of difficulty that best suit our level. Challenging ourselves certainly provides excitement and enjoyment, but we must protect our health and avoid posing danger to others.

What to do in case of injury

1) If there is no bleeding, the injured person should be kept as still as possible until professional help arrives. In cases of non-visible fractures or ligament tears, moving the person can lead to difficult-to-remedy situations. 2) Professional help must be called as quickly as possible. Emergency teams are now stationed on all slopes and at hotels, so emergency contact numbers must be saved in your phones before skiing. 3) The injured person must not become dehydrated. Dehydration will reduce the injured person's cold tolerance and cause muscle tension.