Faculty mentor/PI email address
jim010@aol.com
Is your research Teaching and Learning based?
1
Keywords
sledding injuries; winter recreation injuries; pediatric trauma; injury prevention; public health; emergency medicine
Date of Presentation
5-6-2026 12:00 AM
Poster Abstract
Background: Sledding is a widely enjoyed winter recreational activity among children and adolescents. Although commonly perceived as low risk, sledding can result in extremity fractures, head injuries, and collision-related trauma. Emergency Departments frequently encounter sledding injuries during winter months, providing both clinical insight and opportunities for injury prevention counseling. An estimated 20,000–30,000 sledding-related injuries occur annually in the United States, most involving children and adolescents.
Objectives: To describe patterns of sledding injuries presenting to the Emergency Department and highlight practical safety recommendations physicians can communicate to families.
Methods: Conceptual review integrating Emergency Department observational experience with published literature on pediatric winter recreation injuries.
Results: Sledding injuries most commonly occur in school‑aged children and adolescents. Frequent injury patterns include upper extremity trauma, minor head injury, and soft tissue injuries. Collision with fixed objects and loss of steering control are common mechanisms.
Conclusions: Emergency physicians are well positioned to provide seasonal counseling on sledding safety. Public health messaging emphasizing helmet use, steerable sleds, and safe sledding environments may reduce preventable winter injuries.
Disciplines
Emergency Medicine | Medicine and Health Sciences | Wounds and Injuries
Included in
The Epidemiology of Sledding Injuries: Clinical Patterns and Public Health Prevention Strategies
Background: Sledding is a widely enjoyed winter recreational activity among children and adolescents. Although commonly perceived as low risk, sledding can result in extremity fractures, head injuries, and collision-related trauma. Emergency Departments frequently encounter sledding injuries during winter months, providing both clinical insight and opportunities for injury prevention counseling. An estimated 20,000–30,000 sledding-related injuries occur annually in the United States, most involving children and adolescents.
Objectives: To describe patterns of sledding injuries presenting to the Emergency Department and highlight practical safety recommendations physicians can communicate to families.
Methods: Conceptual review integrating Emergency Department observational experience with published literature on pediatric winter recreation injuries.
Results: Sledding injuries most commonly occur in school‑aged children and adolescents. Frequent injury patterns include upper extremity trauma, minor head injury, and soft tissue injuries. Collision with fixed objects and loss of steering control are common mechanisms.
Conclusions: Emergency physicians are well positioned to provide seasonal counseling on sledding safety. Public health messaging emphasizing helmet use, steerable sleds, and safe sledding environments may reduce preventable winter injuries.