Montreal Children’s Hospital urges winter safety ahead of spring break

With spring break approaching, the Montreal Children’s Hospital (MCH) Trauma Centre and public health officials are urging families and older adults to take precautions to prevent winter-related injuries.

Since November, the Trauma Centre has treated more than 200 children and teens for injuries related to skating, skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing.

“Snow can provide endless fun and activity, but without proper precautions, serious injuries can occur,” said Debbie Friedman, Trauma Director at the Montreal Children’s Hospital and associate professor of Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery at McGill University. “Assessing risk and making informed choices is critical to keeping children and teens safe.”

Many injuries are caused by falls on icy terrain, collisions on hills, or poorly maintained equipment. Families are advised to ensure skates, ski bindings, and other gear are properly fitted, and to supervise children closely. Helmets should be worn for all sports and replaced after significant impacts. Snow forts, tunnels, and hills near roads or parking lots pose additional risks.

“By working together, parents, children, teens and local municipalities can reduce the number of injuries we see each winter,” said Liane Fransblow, Injury Prevention Coordinator at the Montreal Children’s Hospital Trauma Centre.

Winter hazards are not limited to children. Public health data show that older adults are at the highest risk of outdoor falls. One in three people aged 65 and older falls each year, and more than 6,500 seniors were hospitalized in Montreal for falls in 2020–2021. Sidewalks, parking lots, and parks are the most common locations for these incidents. Falls can result in serious injuries, hospitalizations, long-term complications, and reduced independence.

Data from 2016 to 2020 show that outdoor falls increase significantly during winter months, particularly December through February, due to snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Ice formation is the leading environmental cause, and falls spike when rain is followed by freezing conditions, remaining elevated for several days. Climate change, which is causing more frequent freeze–thaw cycles, exacerbates these risks and may increase fall-related injuries in coming years.

Public health authorities recommend that the public:

• Exercise caution during icy periods, especially after rain followed by freezing temperatures.
• Wear winter footwear with good traction and, if needed, use support devices like canes with ice grips or walking poles (removed when indoors).
• Choose well-maintained pedestrian routes and avoid poorly maintained sidewalks and parking lots.
• Maintain physical strength and balance through adapted, accessible exercise.

If someone falls and experiences severe pain, possible fractures, dizziness, disorientation, or cannot get up, emergency services should be called immediately. Less severe injuries should be assessed promptly at an emergency room or clinic.

With proper preparation, supervision, and safe environments, both children and seniors can reduce the risk of serious injuries while enjoying winter activities.