Johns Hopkins Study Finds that Helmets Save Lives of Skiers and Snowboarders

The use of helmets by skiers and snowboarders decreases the risk and severity of head injuries and saves lives, according to research from Johns Hopkins University. The findings debunk long-held beliefs by some that the use of helmets gives athletes a false sense of security and promotes dangerous behavior that might increase injuries.

“There really is a great case to be made for wearing helmets,” says Adil H. Haider, MD, MPH, an associate professor of surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and leader of the study, which appears in the November issue of the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery. “By increasing awareness and giving people scientific proof, we hope behavior changes will follow.”

Statistics show that each year, roughly 10 million Americans ski or snowboard in the U.S., with approximately 600,000 injuries reported annually. Up to 20 percent of those are head injuries, which mostly occur when skiers or snowboarders hit inanimate objects such as trees or the ground. Twenty-two percent of those head injuries are severe enough to cause loss of consciousness or concussion, or even worse injuries. Oftentimes, the injured were not wearing helmets, Dr. Haider and his team discovered. For more information, click here to read the full release.