Medical Problems in Alpine Sliding

In brief: Very few injuries resulted from use of the Breckenridge Alpine Slide from 1979 through 1982. Virtually all injuries resulted from sleds sliding out of their troughs or from one sled colliding with another. One patient sustained a fracture of two lumbar transverse processes and a renal contusion when she was hit from behind by a sled, and another patient developed a severe allergic reaction 30 minutes after sustaining an abrasion from rubbing against the slide trough. Stationing people at the bottom of the slides and having adrenalin, Benadryl, and adequately trained medical personnel available will help prevent or lessen these problems.