facts on… A guide Winter Helmets for those who work with families

Injuries to the head and brain can happen while sledding or tobogganing, skating, skiing, and snowboarding. Wearing the right helmet can reduce the risk and severity of head and brain injuries for people of all ages.

What’s the difference between a head and brain injury? HEAD INJURY VS BRAIN INJURY

• Caused by a hit or blow to the head. • Caused by a hit or blow to the head, something piercing the skull, or a fall or impact • May not cause damage to the brain. to the body. • Includes injury to the scalp or skull such as a • Caused by a quick movement of the brain cut or bruise. inside the skull. • Disturbs normal functioning of the brain.

What helmet is right for my activity? Multiple Impact vs. It is important to know which helmet type offers Single Impact Helmets the best protection for different activities. Winter helmets that are designed to protect against ACTIVITY TYPE OF HELMET more than one crash or impact are called multiple impact helmets. Hockey helmets are multiple Skiing Ski/Snowboard impact helmets. Snowboarding Ski/Snowboard Ice Hockey Hockey Winter helmets that are designed to protect against Ice Skating Hockey only one crash or impact are called single impact Sledding/Tobogganing Hockey helmets. Ski and snowboard helmets are single impact helmets.

For more information on children’s injury prevention topics, visit www.childsafetylink.ca or call 1-866-288-1388 (toll-free in the Maritimes)

January 2014 1 facts on… A guide Winter Helmets for those who work with families

How should my winter helmet fit? Ski/Snowboard Helmets VS HOCkey helmets • The front of the helmet should sit two fingers • First open the helmet all the way to its largest above the eyebrows. setting. • There should be one finger width under the • When putting the helmet on, gradually chin strap. begin to downsize the helmet until it fits comfortably snug. • The back of the helmet should not touch the nape of the neck. • The helmet should rest on the head so the rim is one finger width above the eyebrow and making contact with the top of your head. • There should be only one finger width between the chin and bottom strap.

did you know… • Check with the helmet manufacturer guidelines for proper fitting of face protectors. Skiers and snow boarders who wear • Lock the cage into the J clips. The chin cup properly fitted helmets can reduce their risk of brain injury by up to 60%. should fit snugly to the chin while allowing you to talk.

Child Safety Link would like to share the following helmet safety tips:

• Do not alter a helmet by shaving/cutting the foam, removing permanent pieces, or painting or applying stickers. • Avoid buying second hand helmets because you may not know if it has been damaged. • Replace a helmet if damaged (i.e. the helmet is cracked) or every five years. • Buy a helmet that fits the child now, not a helmet they will grow into. • Winter helmets should be insulated so a hat does not need to be worn underneath. • Make sure your helmets meet the appropriate safety standards. Some standards you may find are CSA, ASTM, Snell or CPSC.

For more information on children’s injury prevention topics, visit www.childsafetylink.ca or call 1-866-288-1388 (toll-free in the Maritimes)

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