Erlanger’s LIFE FORCE air ambulance crews transported four victims of ATV accidents over the past weekend. Two adults and two children suffered from traumatic head injuries in the rash of ATV accidents occurring in the tri-state region between Friday, June 29 and Sunday, July 1.
“We see a lot of patients who don’t wear the proper protective equipment and clothing, including helmets, while riding their ATV’s,” said Stacy Prater, flight paramedic with LIFE FORCE.
“Most of the time, when we transport these victims from ATV accidents, they typically suffer from head, chest/abdominal and orthopedic trauma with head, chest and abdominal injuries being the most severe,” he added.
With the onset of outdoor 4th of July activities throughout the day tomorrow, LIFE FORCE paramedics are cautioning area ATV enthusiasts to follow a few simple rules of ATV safety:
1.) Always wear a DOT approved helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over the ankle boots and gloves.
2.) Supervise riders younger than 16 years of age. ATVS are not toys and can be extremely dangerous.