Sledge Incident Boy Injured

21 December 2010, 11:09

A teengae boy has been hospitalised following a sledging incident yesterday afternoon

The East of England Ambulance Service were alerted to a hill in Runley Road, Luton at 4.40pm. A paramedic ambulance from Luton station attended the scene.

Ambulance service spokesman Gary Sanderson said:"The boy who we believe to be 13-years-old was taken to the Luton and Dunstable Hospital with a suspected broken arm."


Gary added: "We are not asking the public to not go out and enjoy the snow but asking them to be extra careful and take care whilst sledging."

A few simple tips courtesy of the National Safety Council, could save you a journey to your local accident and emergency department, they are as follows -


Keep all equipment in good condition. Broken parts, sharp edges, cracks and split wood invite injuries.

Dress warmly enough for conditions.
 
Sled on spacious, gently sloping hills which have a level run-off at the end so that the sled can come to a halt safely.

Avoid steep slopes and slopes located near streets and roadways.
 
Check slopes for bare spots, holes and other obstructions which might cause injury. Bypass these areas or wait until conditions are better.
 
Make sure the sledding path does not cross traffic and is free from hazards such as large trees, fences, rocks or telephone poles.

Do not sled on or around frozen lakes, streams or ponds because the ice may be unstable.

The proper position for sledding is to sit or lay on your back on the top of the sled, with your feet pointing downhill.

Sledging head first increases the risk of head injury and should be avoided. Sledgers should wear thick gloves or mittens and protective boots to protect against frostbite as well as potential injury.