Children and adults injured while sledging (From Borehamwood Times)

More than a dozen sledging-related callouts in the East of England during snowfall this weekend

11:03am Monday 21st January 2013 in News By Anna Slater

Paramedics were called to help out with more than a dozen sledging-related injuries this weekend.

Many children and adults sustained broken limbs or head injuries after accidents while enjoying the snow.

None of the 999 calls received by the East of England Ambulance Service were life-threatening and most were considered to be fairly minor.

But the trust is now urging people to be careful when playing out in the icy weather to avoid more serious accidents.

Lorna Marsh, press officer for the Ambulance Service, said: “People should ensure they are well wrapped up and that they wear padded clothes.

“Safety gear should also be worn if appropriate so if they do come off the sled, they do so without risking injury.

“The fun really is not worth it if you wind up with a painful injury in casualty.”

Some paramedics opted to work over the weekend despite being on annual leave over the busy period.

Gary Sanderson, press officer for the service, added: “It is thanks to their heroic efforts – and the efforts of our volunteers – we are able to provide a good service.”