Head injury sailing programs

Junior Sailing Program

With an increased attention to closed head injuries in children I am attempting to gather information to determine if there is a problem or not. During our Junior Olympic Festival this past summer I witnessed 3 injuries and would like other programs to share there experience. In addition we will be doing some testing of helmets in simulated sailing situation to gather information that helmets are ( or are not) helpful. I appreciate your participation by answering the following questions.

Question Title

* 1. How many sailors do you service in your summer junior sail program?

1-10

11-20

20-40

40-60

60-80

Other (please specify) enter number

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* 2. How many hours a week does your average sailor spend on the water?

8-12

13-18

19-24

24-30

31-40

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* 3. At what ages have you seen head injuries in the past year?

5-8

9-12

13-15

Over 15

None

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* 4. In the past year at what skill level did you see head injuries

Beginner

Intermediate

Skilled

None

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* 5. In the past year how many sailors have had a head injury where they sought medical attention and missed a practice or an event?

1-4

5-10

Over 10

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* 6. In the past year where have injuries occurred?

Rigging or de rigging boats

Sailing to or from to the practice area

During racing

Not related to sailing

None

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* 7. In the past year under what conditions are injuries more likely to occur?

Wind 0-8 knots

Wind 9-14 knots

Wind 15-20 knots

Wind over 20 knots

During unexpected storm

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* 8. In the past year how many times have EMS been called to take a sailor to a medical facility?

1-2

3-5

Over 5

Never

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* 9. What size boats have you seen injuries occur?

6-10 feet

11-14 feet

15-18 feet

19-24 feet

None

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* 10. Please leave any comments here along with the name of your program and e mail address where I can followup with you as to the results of the survey. In addition I am interested if any of your sailors wear helmets and why. Thank you for your participation in an effort to improve our sport Rick Sullivan MD Rsulliv1@rochester.rr.com