Catherine Scott: Schumacher’s ordeal is warning to all skiers

The news that his helmet undoubtedly saved his life will surely make those remaining few who still fail to wear a helmet while skiing to reconsider their folly.

I started wearing a helmet to ski in when my children first started to ski. Similarly to wearing a cycle helmet I believe it is important to practise what you preach when it comes to safety.

My decision was further compounded when Natasha Richardson (daughter of Vanessa Redgrave and sister of Joely Richardson) died after falling and hitting her head on a beginners’ slope in Canada.

If that can happen on a relatively gentle slope then surely it is vital to wear a helmet at all times?

When else would you even consider travelling at speeds of up to 50mph without a helmet?

Some argue that the helmets don’t work, but 
new research seems to lay this to rest.

One of the major bodies of surgeons in the States has come out and definitively said that they should be worn. Dr Adil H Haider, trauma surgeon and associated professor of surgery at John Hopkins University, is co-author of a review of studies related to winter sports helmet use.

Haider and his colleagues reviewed over 16 studies on ski and snowboarding injuries and analysed the data.

The unanimous conclusion was that helmets are lifesavers.

As a result of the review, the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma now recommends all skiers and snowboarders wear helmets. Dr Haider says: “They protect against serious, even fatal head injuries. There really is a great case to be made for wearing helmets. By increasing awareness and giving people scientific proof, we hope behaviour changes will follow.”

Around 70 per cent of people wear helmets on the slopes, a figure which has been welcomed by the Use Your Head Campaign which has seen a 15 per cent rise in helmet use since the campaign was launched. Last year, insurance company, Essential Travel took the bold and controversial move of making helmets mandatory for its travel insurance.

In the light of Schumacher’s accident and the latest research others are sure to follow. But at the end of the day it is down to the individual to take responsibility for their actions.

I see no reason not to wear a helmet when skiing. The only defence can be vanity. But with the majority of skiers now taking their safety seriously, those who continue to ski without a helmet look far from cool.

Twitter@ypcscott