Injury prevention programs in full force
Those who think they don't need helmets when they get on their bicycles or motorcycles should know this statistic: Helmets reduce the risk of brain injury by 88 percent.
If that's not enough reason to strap on a helmet, Heather Osborne, trauma registrar and injury-prevention coordinator at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, has one more grim reminder: Ninety-seven percent of all fatal bicycle crashes involve a rider who was not wearing a helmet.
High fuel prices have prompted more people to use bikes and motorcycles for transportation. An increase in cycle accidents has paralleled the rise in use.
"We're seeing way more" injuries from motorcycle accidents, said Sue Crawford, a recreation therapist at Kalispell Regional who works with brain-injury patients.
The state Department of Transportation recorded 521 motorcycle accidents last year, with 36 fatalities. Ten years ago, there were 288 motorcycle accidents and 14 deaths.
This year, 34 people have died in motorcycle crashes on Montana roads; four of those deaths were in Flathead County.
The state also tracks how many were wearing helmets at the time of the motorcycle crash. Last year, 279 riders were not wearing helmets, while 242 were wearing them.
EDUCATION is paramount to preventing brain injuries, and it needs to begin at an early age, Osborne said.
Kalispell Regional's trauma service department offers high-quality bicycle and multisport helmets for only $8, and each helmet is sold with a free fitting and fitting guideline. Open fittings are available from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, or to arrange a fitting call 751-5727.
Ski and snowboard helmets will be available for $16 when winter begins. Equestrian helmets will be available next summer for $20.
"Fitting a helmet properly is almost as important as wearing one," she said.
Justin Trodick, a motorcycle crash survivor who gives school presentations about helmet safety, said it's not just youngsters who need reminders about wearing helmets.
"You shouldn't wear a helmet for fear of getting a ticket if you don't," he said. "You need to realize what you're driving" and how vulnerable cyclists are on the road.
Never buy a used motorcycle helmet, Trodick advised.
"If a helmet is dropped from waist height to concrete, the structural integrity is compromised," he added.
Ultraviolet sunlight also can weaken the strength of a helmet.
THERE ARE a couple of student safety programs that focus on accident prevention.
Trauma Nurses Talk Tough is sponsored by Kalispell Regional's trauma and emergency-services department and is presented by registered nurses from the hospital's emergency department.
"Basically we use scare tactics," Osborne said. Graphic slide shows and "tough talk" get the message across to use seat belts and helmets and don't drink and drive.
To arrange a session with Trauma Nurses Talk Tough, contact Osborne at 751-5727, e-mail hosborne@krmc.org; or contact Neil Heino at 751-5775, e-mail nheino@krmc.org.
ThinkFirst is an interactive program sponsored by Kalispell Regional and the Glacier Pilot Club. It focuses on head and spinal-cord injuries and includes a video and personal testimonies of survivors who have participated in a rehabilitation program. Emergency first aid also is covered in the session.
Crawford is the contact for ThinkFirst; she may be reached at 756-4725, or e-mail scrawford@krmc.org.
A local Brain Injury Support Group meets the second Monday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Summit in Kalispell. It's open to the public. A caregivers support group meets simultaneously; contact Crawford at 756-4725 for more information.