At a glance
What are the first steps to take when you witness a skiing accident?
What are the first steps to take when you witness a skiing accident?
1. Mark off and secure the site of the skiing accident
The most important thing is to make sure you don't become one of the injured yourself.
- Approach the site of the accident carefully, watching out for other skiers who might suddenly appear or other potential dangers on the slope.
- Plant the skis and ski poles (or the snowboards) in a cross shape in the snow, around 5 metres from the accident site, in a slightly higher spot, to signal the location to other skiers and to the rescue services.
2. Give first aid
- Check whether the victim can breathe freely through the nose and mouth, and whether they are conscious. Try to determine whether the victim has any serious injuries.
- If it's a minor injury: if possible or necessary, help the injured person to a safe spot. Make sure they are stable and in a comfortable position.
- If it's a serious injury: be aware of possible head or neck injuries, or a foot or ankle injury. In this case, avoid any movement of the neck and don't remove their helmet or ski boots.
3. Alert the rescue services
- If you don't have a mobile phone on you, or don't know the local emergency number, send someone to alert the rescue services as quickly as possible, or the nearest contact point (e.g. the ski lift or a restaurant). It's best to always keep emergency numbers close at hand.
- Never leave an injured person unattended.
- Stay calm and organise help around the victim as calmly as possible. Reassure the victim.
4. Protect the injured person from the cold
- Protect the victim from hypothermia until help arrives. If possible, place something underneath the person to protect them from the cold, or cover them. An injured person lying in the snow can quickly show signs of hypothermia, especially if it's a child.
- Don't give the victim anything to eat or drink (and certainly no alcohol), as this can complicate later medical treatment.
Once the victim has been taken care of by the rescue services, the victim or the people with them should contact their assistance company's call centre as quickly as possible, who will follow up and coordinate what happens next.
Also read: "2pm: the riskiest time on the ski slopes" and the other articles in our "Winter sports" file
Download our eBook "Worry-free winter sports"
First published: 01.2015 - Updated: 02.2022
