Millions of people flock to the slopes each year to experience the thrill extreme sports offer. However, the consequences will be life changing for some. There is a worrying trend that shows an increasing incidence of Spinal Cord Injuries on the slopes, mostly influenced by the growth of cutting-edge equipment.

 

Although the likelihood of a severe spinal impact is small, when it happens it is life changing. Up to 25% of severe spinal cord injuries are caused after the accident has happened. Treating a spinal injury begins at the scene of the accident; to reduce further injury patients must be kept as still as possible.

 

SPINE is a flexible back support, made from several layers of fabric, that allows the user to ski unrestricted until an accident occurs. SPINE uses a combination of pressure sensitive fabric and optic textile imbedded with non-toxic ultraviolet curing resin. When the user is impacted with a force above a predetermined threshold, the integrated UV-light cures the resin, changing SPINE from being entirely flexible to perfectly rigid in a matter of seconds, molding to the shape of the back.

 

Furthermore, it sends a crash report to the emergency services, detailing the location and the force of the impact, helping them to determine where the patient might be injured. This could save crucial time when treating the patient and determining their injuries, especially if the patient is unconscious.

 

Also, SPINE is completely X-ray safe, allowing the paramedics to examine the injury without the need to remove the system until the damage has been properly assessed and contained.

 

SPINE is a virtually unrestricting system, weighing no more than 800 grams, which could give the user the assurance of having one of the most devastating winter sports injuries under control.