Learning any new sport, you are bound to get a few scrapes and bruises. It simply comes with the territory. Some pastimes, however, come with more risks if you don't play it safe.
Skateboarding, as we know it, was born sometime in the late 1940's. As of 2020, it has evolved into an Olympic sport. With gaining popularity, comes an increase in accidents, injuries and even deaths. In fact, more than 70,000 people are treated in emergency rooms every year for injuries related to skateboarding. According to the National Safety Council, more than 125,000 skateboarders visited the emergency room in 2015 alone.
Those between the ages of 14 to 24 count for more than half the reported injures, while one-third are attributed to those between the ages of five and 13. It's not just the beginners that fall; even the most experienced skateboarders get hurt.
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons*, the most common injuries tied to skateboarding include:
• Cuts & Bruises – (Nearly 100%)*
• Wrist Fractures & Sprains - (19%)*
• Ankle Injuries – (11%)*
• Facial Injuries, such as Broken Noses & Jawbones - (16%)*
• Head Injuries - (20%)*, Serious Head Injuries, including Concussions, Skull Fractures, & Blunt Trauma - (3%)*
The same goes for hoverboards or self-balancing scooters.
Hitting the market less than a decade ago, hoverboards quickly became the latest fad. Just to be clear, a hoverboard is NOT a skateboard. The electronic invention is designed to travel and glide short distances, not trying out the latest tricks and stunts.
Regardless of which board you decide to test your balance on, the dangers are real. It's important to:
• Wear a properly fitting helmet.
o This goes without saying. You are getting on a board with wheels. Falls are inevitable. Protect your head.
• Wear knee, wrist and elbow protection.
o Again, falls are inevitable. Human instinct is to catch yourself. The extra padding will protect you against the hard pavement.
• Wear non-slip, closed-toe shoes.
o Skateboarding can be tough on your feet and ankles. Open-toe shoes or sandals are not recommended.
• Never ride in the street.
o Most skateboard fatalities occur here. A skatepark, paved bike paths or empty garage are all safe alternatives to open roadways. Most fatalities associated with skateboarding are due to riding in the street.
• Learn to fall correctly.
o That's right - learn how to fall correctly. As strange as it may sound, practice falling on carpet or grass. Get low, try not to catch yourself and do your best to relax your body before impact. Falling 'correctly' could save you a lot of headache in the long run.
So, if you decide to become one of the 16 million skateboarders in the United States, always remember to Play it Safe and wear the proper safety equipment.
This important safety message is brought to you by your Union Hospital Emergency Trauma Team.