Citation

Foray J, Abrassart S, Femmy T, Aldilli M. Chirurgie 1991; 117(8): 613-617.

Vernacular Title

Les accidents de parapente en haute montagne. A propos de 200 cas.

Affiliation

Service de Chirurgie, Hôpital de Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

1843216

Abstract

A review of 200 cases of "paragliding" accidents in high mountain areas has been completed. The first flights have been murderous, a thesis written in 1987 in Grenoble showing seven dead out of 97 casualties. Since then the statistics seen to be improving as a consequence of the setting of regulations and the establishment of "paragliding" schools. The more frequent accidents happen on landing: in 70% of the cases fractures of the "tibiotarsienne", the wrist and the spinal column prevail. They happen to young adults between 20 and 40 years old, with a variable experience. Preventive measures consist in a greater prudence, a good physical condition and a precise aerological knowledge. The adepts of this sport have understood that wearing a helmet and appropriate shoes could reduce the gravity of the accidents. "Paragliding" if not a dangerous sport is certainly a risky one.