Ski helmet saves girl's life
Friday December 18, 2009 - Email this article to a friend

Doctors said that without a helmet Julia Griggs may have died and would certainly have had significant brain injury after she smashed into a tree.

She broke her nose and some bones in her face as well as her right leg.

Her family agreed for her to speak to reporters with her doctors to highlight the importance of wearing a helmet, especially for children.

Her pink ski helmet had a large dent in the front where it took the full impact of the blow against the tree.

"The helmet protected her brain, and that's something that we can't really fix, unfortunately," Dr Michael McGonigal, director of trauma services at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, told reporters.

"The helmet kept her in perfect condition, so she is fine other than a few things that will heal up now with a little extra care."

"Wear a helmet," Julia said when she was asked what she had learned from her accident.

Her parents, Bill and Heather Griggs, said all three of their children have always worn helmets while out skiing.

See this related story on PlanetSKI about Europe's decision not to make helmets compulsory for all, but how many areas are enforcing it for children.

The National Ski Areas Association in America has a special campaign callled Lids on kids to get children to wear a helmet.

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