Free helmets will be given away by Intermountain Healthcare trauma teams in an effort to remind skiers and sledders about the importance of safety precautions while enjoying snow activities.

On Friday from 10 a.m. to noon, Intermountain Park City Hospital’s trauma team will join with Deer Valley Resort, 2250 Deer Valley Drive S., to distribute helmets. On Saturday from 1-3 p.m., Intermountain American Fork’s trauma team will join Lone Peak Fire Department to hand out helmets at Tibble Fork Reservoir, off American Fork Canyon Road. Hot chocolate, safety information and granola bars will also be distributed to the public.

With some of the highest snowfall totals in North America this year, more people are heading for the slopes. In a press release, Intermountain Healthcare trauma clinicians said they don’t want to see more emergency department visits with preventable injuries. That’s why they are stressing the importance of wearing a helmet while skiing, snowboarding, sledding and participating in other outdoor sports activities.

The National Ski Areas Association reports helmets can reduce head injuries by 30%-50%.

“NSAA promotes the use of helmets on the slopes. We urge skiers and riders to wear a helmet — but to ski or ride as if they are not wearing a helmet,” the organization states on its website. “NSAA views skiing and snowboarding in a controlled and responsible manner as the primary safety consideration for all skiers and boarders. A skier’s behavior has as much or more to do with the safety of the sport as does any piece of equipment.”

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