Holiday skiing accident: What to do if you get injured on the slopes?

Skiing can be an exhilarating pastime, but unfortunately, it can also be risky, as there’s always the chance of experiencing a tumble on the piste. While most of the time, people get back up with only their pride hurt, that’s not always the case, and sometimes ski accidents can happen, leading to injuries. Ski injuries can affect different areas of the body, especially the ankles, knees, and wrists, and each is approached and managed in a specific way, depending on the site and the severity. While not all injuries are critical, sometimes, it’s possible to face genuine risks of lengthy recovery, particularly if the injury goes unchecked without a confirmed diagnosis and a comprehensive recovery plan. 

Truth be told, it can be really stressful when your holiday goes so wrong and instead of coming home with unforgettable memories, you have to deal with the aftermath of a skiing accident. If an incident like this happens, knowing what steps you should take is important. In this blog, we will share some expert advice on what to do as soon as the skiing injury happens, so read on. 

Stop skiing and assess the situation

Continuing to ski after being injured will only worsen things, so it’s essential to stop immediately and check your condition. Look for any visible signs of injury, such as bruising, swelling and inability to move a limb, to determine how you are feeling. Also, as difficult as it can be, try to calm your nerves – it won’t do you any good to panic, as you need to stay focused and take the necessary steps to help yourself out of the situation. Breath in through your nose and out through your mouth so you can further choose the right course of action and think logically in this situation. 

Seek medical help right away 

Broken legs are one of the most common injuries when it comes to ski accidents, but it’s also possible to experience head injuries and dislocated arms. No matter the injury, it’s imperative to get medical help as immediately as possible – and the good news is that pistes often provides a number for the emergency service on signs, so call it if you get injured so that they can help you off the piste and ensure you will be taken to the nearest hospital. If you are seriously injured and cannot move, consider signalling to other skiers that you need help – you can do that by waving your arms, for example. If you suspect that you have a serious injury (like a back injury or a fracture), it’s essential to avoid moving until you get help so your injuries won’t worsen. If possible, stabilise injured body parts, as this will help prevent additional movement – for instance, if you think you had a fracture, keeping the limb in place is important. 

Follow up with a healthcare expert 

While receiving initial care at the ski resort is undoubtedly essential, you should follow up with a healthcare expert for a more comprehensive evaluation and treatment recommendations. Treatment for ski injuries can differ based on the type of the injury and its severity. For instance, mild injuries like sprains and strains often require compression, ice, and rest, while more severe ones like fractures may necessitate immobilisation, physical therapy and even surgical intervention. Rehabilitation exercises are essential for recovering mobility and strength, especially if you’ve suffered shoulder or knee injuries, while injuries like ACL tears may require surgery to restore joint stability. Unfortunately, some surgeries can go wrong, either because they are performed on the wrong site, or a foreign object is left inside the patient after surgery. In this case, the victims may be entitled to sue the NHS for medical negligence. 

Consider physical therapy 

Your doctor may recommend physical therapy as part of your recovery after the ski accident, so make sure to consult a professional who can develop a customised plan with strengthening exercises, stretches, and balance work, which will help you rebuild muscle and restore mobility, which is particularly important when it comes to ankle, knee, or shoulder injuries. It’s important to start gradually with low-impact exercises like cycling and swimming to help you rebuild stamina and strength without putting stress on the injury. The physical therapist will offer you guidance just as needed, so make sure to follow their exact recommendations regarding the exercises you can and cannot do. 

Stay positive during the recovery 

Life can throw curveballs unexpectedly, and that’s when your adaptability gets tested. While such challenges can knock you down, the good news is that you can choose how to respond to what happens. Even in the face of adversity, you can decide what your attitude is going to be – and that can make a tremendous difference in the healing process. Maintaining a positive mindset can speed up recovery while also helping you navigate the emotional distress that comes with a skiing accident. It’s not about ignoring the challenges that you’re facing, but rather, it’s about finding the silver lining, tapping into your inner strength and focusing on the lessons learned. 

Don’t rush the process 

When suffering a skiing accident, you may feel impatient to hit the slopes again; however, depending on your injuries, your recovery may take a while. If you’ve only suffered minor injuries, you may be able to get back to skiing within a few weeks; however, if your injuries have been more severe (such as ligament tears), you may need several rehabilitation months. No matter what, it’s essential to be patient, follow the advice of your doctor, and give your body enough time to heal – returning to skiing soon can result in re-injury, and that’s the last thing you want. While you may be excited about skiing, it’s important to remember that recovery should be your number one priority for the moment, so you need to put your health above all else. If you do, ultimately this will speed up the healing process and help you get back on track after a full recovery. 

The bottom line

Experiencing a skiing accident can be truly distressing, but it’s important to know the steps to take in case it happens. Hopefully, after reading this blog, you understand what it takes to recover from skiing injuries.