LAKELAND - As families enjoy outdoor, socially distanced activities this winter, an increase in tobogganing related injuries was noted in the St. Paul area in December.
"In December 2020, the St. Therese – St. Paul Healthcare Centre saw an increase in the number of children visiting the Emergency Department with injuries sustained while tobogganing when compared with the same time frame a year ago," according to a statement from Alberta Health Services.
When asked about other areas in the Lakeland, AHS noted that the William J. Cadzow – Lac La Biche Healthcare Centre has not seen a significant change in the number of tobogganing related Emergency Department visits.
"We can’t speculate about the reasons for an increase in these types of injuries in St. Paul," reads the statement.
The St. Paul hospital reported two "tobogganing and sledding" injuries at the emergency department in 2019. In 2020, that number increased to nine.
In Lac La Biche, the hospital didn't record any tobogganing and sledding injuries for either year.
Town of St. Paul CAO Kim Heyman confirmed that the town had made a few changes at the tobogganing hill this winter. The hill is located on the east end of Lagasse Park.
Snow was packed around a park bench and garbage can that exist in the area of the hill. The town also put a snow fence along the lake side of the walking path. Signage was also put up along the chain link fencing.
AHS affirms that being active and getting outside is important for children and adults. But, when taking part in winter activities, people should ensure they're taking appropriate safety precautions.
While "tobogganing can be dangerous and should be done carefully," there are a few things that can be done to ensure the activity is done safely. AHS recommends inspecting toboggans before using them, and also encourages the use of a ski helmet.
"Head injuries can be serious. A ski helmet designed for use in cold weather and high speeds is recommended," according to AHS.
Dressing in layers to protect against cold-related injuries like frostbite and hypothermia is also recommended. Removing wet clothing also helps prevent frostbite.
While it may be an obvious tip, people out tobogganing are reminded to watch for others while out on a hill.
"Move out of the way quickly after finishing a run and stay to the side of the sliding path when walking up the hill. Children should be supervised by an adult and never toboggan alone or at night," according to AHS.
For more tobogganing safety tips, visit the MyHealth.Alberta.ca website.
AHS was unable to provide any statistics from the Bonnyville area, since the hospital falls under Covenant Health. A response from Covenant Health with statistics from Bonnyville was not available as of Lakeland This Week's press deadline.
