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‘A ski helmet saved my life’: one woman’s story of her accident and recovery

The Austrian resort of St Anton, where the accident occurred - St Anton am Arlberg
The Austrian resort of St Anton, where the accident occurred - St Anton am Arlberg

No matter how experienced you are on the slopes, accidents can happen at any time – as Rachel Atkinson can testify.

A keen snow-sports enthusiast, Rachel, from Brighton, had been skiing since the age of four. In 2014, one of her friends bought her a helmet as a present, prompted by the news of Michael Schumacher’s injury after a crash while skiing in 2013. Rachel took it with her on her next ski holiday to St Anton, Austria.

“It was the last week of the ski season and the conditions were challenging – icy in the morning and slushy in the afternoon,” she says. Then, on one run, she suffered a serious fall.  

“Apparently I fell forwards, crossed my skis, and landed on my forehead with my arms behind me so all my weight went on my head.”

Looking back now, Rachel credits her new ski helmet with saving her life. After the crash, she was taken to hospital and kept in overnight for observation. She was discharged the next day, but soon realised something was wrong.

Rachel Atkinson - Credit: headway.org.uk
Left: On the slopes before the accident. Right: Rachel has completed several 10k runs since her recovery Credit: headway.org.uk

“I was playing cards and became aware that I was unable to follow simple instructions,” she says. “I knew things weren't right and I had to get more medical help.

“When I got back the UK six days after my accident, I went to the doctor, and was diagnosed as having post-concussion syndrome.”

The injury brought a host of problems, including short-term memory issues, fatigue, migraines, sensory overload and trouble dealing with emotions. 

Overview | What is post-concussion syndrome?
Overview | What is post-concussion syndrome?

“At first, getting through each day was an achievement,” she says. “I tried to carry on working full-time as an employee relations consultant, but I didn't recognise the severity of the injury, and that I required rest.

“My confidence took a big knock as well. It felt as though I'd lost my intelligence. Where I used to feel smart and pick things up quickly, I found myself struggling and feeling stupid.”

Rachel turned to the East Sussex branch of Headway, a national brain injury charity, which provided her with help and support.

The best ski helmets for this winter
The best ski helmets for this winter

“Little by little as the weeks and months passed, my brain improved and my confidence and humour slowly came back. I work part-time now, which of course has a financial impact, but my health is more important than money.

“I now know my limits, and with adjustments and understanding, I’m living a full and happy life. I still get tired, so I have Wednesdays off to rest, and I also make sure I wear glasses and a baseball cap if I’m under strip lighting. For a while I had to avoid busy clubs and festivals, but this year I went to my first festival in three years – which was great.”

One thing that helped Rachel to stay positive was regaining her physical fitness. In fact, she has gone on to complete 10 different 10km charity runs – including the Polar Night race in Norway, north of the Arctic Circle – raising money through sponsorship to support Headway’s work.

‘The Schumacher effect’ | What happened to Michael Schumacher?
‘The Schumacher effect’ | What happened to Michael Schumacher?

“Keeping fit has been a really important part of my recovery, even though I wasn't able to exercise as much as I would have liked to begin with, due to the fatigue,” she says. “For anyone recovering from a brain injury, I would recommend they keep on exercising if they can. Make sure to get outside and continue to remain healthy. Also, if you're going skiing, do wear a helmet!”

Helmet design has continued to evolve in recent years, with innovations including improved fit adjustment and better protection in more slimline designs, as well as technology that can reduce the impact of a crash from any direction, including at an angle.

“I'd recommend anyone to wear a helmet,” Rachel says. “You don't realise how delicate your brain is until it's not working as it should. I don't think skiing without a helmet is worth the risk – and besides, it also keeps your head nice and warm on the piste.”

Clothing brands and ski equipment stockists are among the exhibitors at The Telegraph Ski and Snowboard Show in Battersea Park, London, from October 26 to 29. Click here for more information or book tickets.