[ISnowmobiles and serious injuries in Western Finnmark]

Snowmobiles are increasingly popular. In Western Finnmark, Norway, there is now one snowmobile per five inhabitants, in the rest of Norway only one for each 110 inhabitants. Our clinical impression was that the frequency of injuries had increased. The aim of this study was to describe frequency and severity of snowmobile-related injuries through two winter seasons by the use of an existing injury registry.

Prospectively registered data from the injury registry at Hammerfest Hospital for the winter seasons 2002/2003 and 2003/2004 were analysed.

Sixty-seven patients were registered with snowmobile-related injuries, mainly men between 15 and 35. The large majority of injuries were caused during recreational snowmobile driving, after sunset, and outside trails. Admission to hospital was necessary for 45 patients. The grading of severity was serious to critical in 13 victims; 2 persons were killed. The mechanism of injury was mainly loss of control over the vehicle. We have no reliable data concerning driving under the influence of ethanol. The rate of serious injuries per snowmobile was unchanged as compared to 1988-9, but the number of vehicles had increased by 30%.

Injuries related to snowmobiles are increasing in number and severity. They are mainly related to recreational use, especially in weekends and after sunset. The use of helmets, compulsory training, and expanded trails have not decreased the rate of accidents per vehicle. There is an urgent need for preventive measures.