Ilim Manapov, a doctor, claims that tubing is one of the most dangerous winter activities.
“Many people ride not on designated slopes, but on spontaneous ones, near roads, pits, or bumps. Controlling tubing is extremely difficult,” he adds.
The main problem with inflatable tubes is the lack of control and braking. Users cannot adjust their speed, change direction, or stop in time. At the same time, tubing can accelerate very quickly, and any collisions happen unexpectedly and at high speed.
Due to the inability to control tubing, patients often sustain serious injuries.
As Manapov explains, medical professionals record head injuries and traumatic brain injuries, fractures of limbs, spinal injuries, as well as hematomas and hemorrhages. In the most severe cases, there can even be skull fractures.
“A person falls and does not have time to brace themselves, so the impact hits the most vulnerable parts of the body,” the doctor explains.
If an injury occurs while riding, it is crucial not to worsen the victim's condition.
According to the doctor, in serious injuries, a person may lose consciousness. In such cases, it is necessary to:
- lay the victim on their side to ensure airway patency;
- provide access to fresh air and shelter from the cold;
- if there is severe pain, immobilize the injured limb with improvised means;
- not move the victim if there is suspicion of neck or spinal injury.
“Improper transportation can lead to secondary damage to blood vessels or nerves. If there is no doctor nearby, it is better to call an ambulance and consult with medical professionals. The victim should only be transported by medical personnel or emergency services,” emphasizes Manapov.
In emergencies, it is necessary to call an ambulance or contact rescuers at number 112.
The dangers of children riding
Doctors are particularly concerned about children and teenagers riding without adult supervision.
Children often choose steep and slippery slopes, overestimate their abilities, and do not always recognize the risks. Given that their musculoskeletal system is still developing, the consequences of injuries can be especially serious.
Experts recommend completely avoiding tubing in the following cases:
- if the slope is poorly visible;
- in the presence of strong ice;
- with a large crowd of people;
- if riding occurs near roads, trees, poles, or stairs.
Medical professionals support active winter recreation but strongly recommend choosing official sports.
“We are in favor of winter entertainment and active outdoor recreation; however, such activities need to be planned in advance. We have always approached tubing and inflatable devices with caution and continue to hold this position.
There are safe types of winter sports—skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and others—that are conducted under the supervision of instructors. They teach the rules of riding and explain how to act correctly on the slopes. Unauthorized riding on tubes, bags, and other improvised means is extremely dangerous, as it can lead to serious injuries. Therefore, it is important to choose safe places for recreation in advance and prefer official winter sports,” summarizes Ilim Manapov.
