Intermountain Health and Brighton Resort Team Up to Ensure Safety on Slopes

Intermountain Health joined Brighton Resort for the second consecutive year on Friday to make the slopes safer for skiers and snowboarders by giving out free helmets to those on the mountain without head protection to help reduce injuries and raise awareness about the Importance of helmet use.

Intermountain Health Alta View Hospital caregivers handed out more than 125 free helmets to skiers and boarders on Friday.

“This is a great opportunity to prevent injuries and to raise awareness about the importance of head protection to ensure the safest experience for everyone on the mountain,” said Yvette Pierce, RN, trauma coordinator and emergency department nurse at Intermountain Health Alta View Hospital in Sandy.

“Helmets are a key line of defense for skiers and boarders,” said Pierce. “Helmets can reduce head injuries by 30-50 percent and potentially prevent a trip to the emergency department for a serious head injury.”

Intermountain Health and Brighton Resort handed out vouchers to skiers or boarders throughout the day who didn’t have helmets to receive a free helmet. Last year, Intermountain Health Alta View Hospital handed out more than 100 free helmets to increase helmet use.

In addition to giving out free helmets on Friday, Intermountain Health experts performed helmet fittings, provided safety information, and handed out hot chocolate and goodies to ensure skiers and boarders had a safe and fun experience on the mountain.

“Our mission at Intermountain Health is to help people live the healthiest lives possible,” said Pierce. “Today’s event to raise awareness about head injuries and focus on prevention, along with our partnership with Brighton Resort is a great example of that commitment.”