The snow machine and the family physician (medical and social aspects).
The snow machine is here to stay. The family physician must acquaint himself with possible increasing numbers of trauma. Etiology is important.College of Family Physicians with other bodies should conduct a symposium on the dangers of this sport before 1970-71 season.Family physician should cooperate in reporting all injuries; their cause and possible prevention. Prevention is combined responsibility of organized medicine, manufacturer and the operator.Club activity is endorsed over private activity.Snow machines induce special type of trauma. Increased soft tissue damage. Shock more prominent feature due to chill factor and possible delay in reaching treatment centre.Major cause of death is head injury and brain damage. Present helmets are less than adequate.Manufacturers to be increasingly safety conscious. Safety is joint effort of the former, the profession and legislation.Snow machining is a recreation, not an exercise. It is not recommended for certain restricted groups.Family physician has a special role in treatment, evaluation and recommendations. More statistical analysis and co-operation required.Snow machine can be a killer and a source of major trauma.
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