Helmet safety
Elbow pads? Check. Shin guards? Check. Skates? Check. You’ve packed all the right equipment for your child and the trunk is full, but have you remembered the most important item – the helmet?
Why are helmets important?
Helmets can reduce the risk and severity of brain injury during a fall or hit to head and they work by absorbing the energy of the impact . Serious brain injuries may result when the head is unprotected. Wearing a helmet can reduce the likelihood of experiencing a traumatic injury to the head, which can result in long-term disabilities.
When buying a helmet, make sure it fits your child’s head
Helmets must meet approved safety standards. The markings ASTM, CPSC, CSA or Snell should appear on the helmet. It is important to note that there are sport-specific helmets.
The Montreal Children’s Hospital recommends the following additional injury prevention tips to reduce the risk and severity of injuries:
- Replace a helmet if it is more than five years old or if it is damaged in any way;
- Never use a helmet that has been involved in a collision or if you do not know its history;
- Make sure the helmet is properly fitted and adjusted.
Make sure your child wears a helmet during:
- Wheeled sports and activities (e.g. cycling, skateboarding, inline skating and scootering)
- Winter sports (e.g. skiing, snowboarding, toboganning)
- Organized sports (e.g. hockey, skating, football)