Sledding Accident in Takoma Park
Montgomery County fire rescue units were dispatched at 1:45 p.m. on March 4 for the report of an injured child involved in a sledding accident at Takoma Park Middle School (7611 Piney Branch Road).
According to Beth Anne Nesselt of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, rescuers arrived on the scene and engaged in a fairly extensive and involved slope rescue to reach, package and remove the child who was located at the bottom of a steep hill. “The child had serious, believed to be non-life-threatening injuries, and was transported to a local specialty center,” said Nesselt.
Safety tips for sledders:
- Avoid hills that end near a street or parking lot or any vehicular traffic.
- Be sure to select a hill that is not too steep and has a long flat area at the bottom so sledders can coast to a stop.
- Avoid hills that end near ponds, trees, fences, utility poles or other hazards.
- Survey the area and make sure the hill is free of obstacles such as jumps, bumps, rocks, or trees before sledding.
- Choose hills that are snowy rather than icy. Icy slopes make for hard landings.
- Parents – in addition to the recommendations above, it’s best for kids to sled during the daytime, when visibility is better. If they do go sledding at night, make sure the hill is well lit and that there are no potential hazards or obstacles.
- Sledders should always sled feet first.
- Sledders should consider wearing a helmet when sledding for extra safety.
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