January 16, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – Snowmobiling is a wonderful way for people to get outside and enjoy the snowy bounty of winter. Unfortunately, every year thousands of people are admitted to hospital for snowmobile related injuries. St. John Ambulance wants to remind people of the importance of snowmobile safety before they hit the powdered trails.

Maintenance is a Must: A snowmobile is a vehicle and like your car it requires frequent maintenance to run its best. Make sure to also check the condition of your trailer.

Check the Weather: Be aware of any weather that may affect visibility or compromise your trail.

Scout the Trail: Make sure to check ahead that the trail you want to use is open, maintained and safe.

Share Your Plan: Before heading out on a long ride, let someone know where you are going, what trails you plan on taking, when you expect to return or arrive at your destination. This way if you run into trouble your friends and family will know where to look.

Safety in Numbers: Travel as a group - that way if someone is injured or experiences mechanical failure; there are other people to assist.

Don’t Speed: Like any vehicle, maintaining a safe speed ensures better control. It is also important to remember that the snow may be concealing hazardous obstacles such as fences, rocks and deadfall.

Stay Sober: A snowmobile is a recreational vehicle, but it is still a vehicle - don’t drink and drive.

Don’t Tow People: Don’t tow people behind your snowmobile on toboggans, skis, tubes or tires it is extremely unsafe.

One at a Time: Don’t take a passenger on the back of your snowmobile unless the manufacturer’s directions allow. Even then, take only one properly outfitted passenger.

Check the Ice: Whenever possible, avoid taking routes over ice. If you must travel over ice, use an auger or spud bar to check the depth of the ice as you travel. The ice should be at least 30cm thick and a clear blue colour. Remember, grey or cloudy ice is much weaker.

Choose the Right Outfit: Make sure your suit is waterproof and that your helmet is approved for snowmobiling.

Be Prepared: Sometimes, despite your best precautions, accidents happen; that’s why it’s so important to be prepared. Always carry a fully stocked first aid kit, some spare parts for your machine (such as a belt and sparkplugs,) flares, emergency rations, and if possible, a cell phone or portable radio. If you are traveling over ice, make sure to have a pair of ice picks on your person - if you should break through the ice they will help you pull yourself back up. A tow rope can double as a throw rope to help someone else who has fallen through the ice.

For over 125 years St. John Ambulance has been teaching first aid in Ontario. Today we train over 155,000 Ontarians annually in first aid and other health care related courses and remains dedicated to saving lives at work, home and play. With over 4,000 volunteers contributing over half a million hours of community service a year, St. John Ambulance is an integral part of the community offering such unique and innovative programs as; medical first response, disaster response, car seat clinics, health and safety related youth programs and therapy dog services. As a charitable, humanitarian organization, proceeds from St. John Ambulance’s first aid training and first aid product sales directly support these vital community services programs. For more information on St. John Ambulance training courses and volunteer opportunities or to contact your local branch, visit www.sja.ca/on