Personal Injury: Sledding Causes Boy's Death; Safety Guidelines

A young boy tragically died in a freak tobogganing accident January 8, 2006. Kasey Thompson was sledding in Gilbert Plains, Canada with his older brother when the accident occurred. The brothers went off a lip and became airborne. When they landed, Kasey suffered a traumatic brain stem injury, which caused his death. The Gilbert Plains region is nearly 360 kilometers north of Winnipeg.

Sledder Died of Brain Injury

Every year, sledding causes thousands of injuries. Some of these injuries are serious enough to cause death. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons published two sets of guidelines on how to be safe while sledding. The first, labeled essential, are to sled only in designated areas that are free of trees, posts and fences. Also, make sure adults supervise children as they sled. Children should always sit facing forward, leaving their feet free to steer. Never sled down hill headfirst. Avoid sledding on hills that end with streets, ledges, parking lots or bodies of water. The second set of guidelines is labeled preferred. Children under 12 should wear a helmet while sledding. Wear additional layers of clothing to protect against injuries and sled only in well-lit areas.