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So you are off skiing and you are wondering what you should put into your first aid kit. There are some general items that all skiers should take but if you are into extreme skiing off piste then there are additional items that you should take. All skiers should have health insurance that covers skiing which is more expensive that normal holiday insurance. It is common for skiers to be injured on the slopes and is this is reflected in the insurance premiums.
It is important to read the small print to ensure that your skiing holiday is covered and find out any exclusions. Most skiing areas have good clinical facilities especially in Europe and America. These services can be very expensive and it is important to see if there is any excess that you will need to pay. Usually you will need to pay for the clinical services and then reclaim the monies back from the insurance company. It is imperative to inform the insurance company as soon as possible if a skiing mishap has led to injury needing medical intervention. The insurance company may have a recommended clinic and clinician which you would be advised to use. If repatriation is required then the insurance company should arrange this as they will be paying the bill. Paying for medication can also be expensive and this should be coordinated through the clinic.
Hopefully your holiday on the ski slopes will have no mishaps other than occasional sprained muscle or bruise form falling on an icy patch of snow. Therefore I would recommend the following items in your skiing first aid kit:
It is important to know what to do if a skier has sustained a minor injury such as a knee or wrist sprain. The injured joint should be rested, iced, compressed and elevated initially. Oral analgesics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen should be taken regularly to alleviate the swelling and reduce the pain. If the injury is not settling down with these measures then medical advice should be sought to ensure that the injury is not more serious than originally thought.
Most skiing holidays are free from mishap but good skiing insurance together with basic first aid equipment should ensure a safe and trouble-free time,