Rider falls heavily - rescue helicopter in Pernegg!

Rider falls heavily - rescue helicopter in Pernegg!

Pernegg an der Mur, Österreich - equestrian sport has a long tradition in Austria, but the dangers associated with it should not be underestimated. This morning, shortly before 10 a.m., an unfortunate incident occurred in Pernegg an der Mur: a 40-year-old rider fell during a group dash and suffered serious injuries that required a fast and comprehensive rescue mission. According to the reports from 5min , the rescue chain was activated quickly, whereby the red cross Bruck-Mürzzuschlag was not only used an emergency vehicle. A Christophorus 16 emergency doctor helicopter was requested to transport the rider to the hospital in Graz as soon as possible.

One thing is certain: riding is one of the more dangerous sports. An analysis shows that the likelihood of having to go to the hospital after a riding accident is 3.5 times higher than after a motorcycle accident. Alarming numbers show that almost 25 percent of the riding accidents recorded are affected by head or neck injuries. In the EU, around 2.5 million skull brain dreams, often in connection with falls from the horse, assume. Statistically speaking, 50 to 60 percent of these injuries are due to such falls, such as the portal Cavallo clearly explains.

injury risks in equestrian sports

The way in which injuries arise when riding follows a typical pattern. Studies from the BG Klinikum Hamburg show that young riders are particularly affected, with about 42 percent of the injuries in the age group from 8 to 18 years. The most common injuries concern the upper extremities and the head. When the horse falls, head injuries occur much more often than with other causes, which underlines the importance of protective measures such as a riding helmet. It is recommended to carry it in particular to protect against concealing the brain that can have serious consequences, even without losing consciousness. Typical symptoms are headache, dizziness and memory disorders. Experts like Dr. Julia Schmidt emphasize the need to exercise caution after a fall and to see a doctor in case of doubt.

In order to avoid such tragic accidents in the future, preventive measures are essential. The use of robust protective material, such as padded gloves and suitable protective equipment, was recommended by various specialists. The current incidents, such as the fall of the Styrian rider suffered yesterday, once again show that both joy and danger go hand in hand in equestrian sports.

For the rider concerned, who is now being treated in the hospital, it can only be hoped that she can recover again soon. At the same time, it is an appeal to all riders: security has a top priority, and the responsible handling of sport is essential to minimize the risk of injury.