Arc 1950 Medical Centre - an unexpected visit - and some reminders!

We usually like to report the snow conditions, but a (thankfully) minor incident threw up a few timely reminders we thought we'd share...

Up quite early yesterday to explore the overnight snow, mini-me (age 9 and not much) and I were enjoying a creamy smooth surface down toward the Arpette chair. We found the limit of the new snow and the piste hardened up - I glanced over my shoulder to see him on the ground. A quick side-step back up and the words you just don't want to hear; "Daddy I banged my head and I feel dizzy".

Ok, double-check I've got the resort's emergency number in my phone (I do) but he seems ok after a minute to catch his breath, and his helmet shows no visible signs of damage, so we make our way carefully back over to 1950. He's skiing slowly and still feels dizzy so straight to the medical centre in the village.

He was promptly triaged by a nurse with a quick memory and vision test, and we were asked to wait 5 minutes while they attended a "trauma" case who was being prepared to be helicoptered.

And 5 minutes later he was seen by a very friendly and thorough doctor who checked everything from BP to hearing, reflexes and eyesight. Nothing to worry about, but rest for the day and early to bed... I'm €50 lighter but that was good value. I know others on the forum have had less positive experiences of French medical support, but this was spot on.

The helmet got scrapped, and swapped for a new one.

This morning we'll be sticking to Blues and taking it easy, but mini-me seems 100% normal and keen to ski.

So, remember folks, play it safe and remember :-

- Really, helmets are a good idea.
- ALWAYS have the resort's emergency number in your phone.
- Don't take chances with a bang on the head, get it checked.
- Scrap your helmet if you do take a knock.
- And enjoy your skiing!

But one final word - DO YOUR HELMET STRAPS UP PROPERLY - we've seen a few skiers today, mostly teenagers, zooming around with their helmet straps undone and flapping in the breeze. FFS - there's absolutely no point wearing a lid if it's not securely attached!

Glad all OK!
But look on the bright side - only a couple of years before you won't have to side step back to check on Little Adders - he will be well ahead of you..........

I would not ski without a helmet nowadays. I bought my first one in the ski shop sale on the glazier in Kaprun. I only had it on 10 mins when I took a tumble and as I lay in the snow a rather large lump of ice came rolling down the slope and bounced of my new helmet. It left a large dent in the helmet, so if I had not been wearing it, what might it have done to my head?
Anyway, what is the inconvenience of a bit of 'helmet hair' compared to a head injury.
Oh, and have you ever tried to glue a go-pro to a woolen hat?

Very good that your laddie is OK. We have had three concussions in our family, so this is close to my heart.

Before I go away, I always put the lift company phone number into my mobile. Yes, I know you can put in the Euro number, but they do not know the piste, nor do they know the conditions.

Glad to hear everything checked out OK, enjoy the rest of your trip :)