Spencer McKee: What to do if you're involved in a collision on the slopes

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — A reader recently reached out to our team to ask what the protocol is for when someone is involved in a "collision" accident on the slopes and we realized that this is a topic we haven't covered in years.

Here's a short list of advice for what to do when a slopesport accident involving two or more people occurs:

— 1. Make the accident known to other skiers on the mountain. Stick your skis in the snow to form an 'X' so that those upslope can avoid the scene. A secondary accident will only make the situation worse. It's also a good idea to let those passing know that ski patrol is needed.

— 2. Render immediate first aid if able to do so. That being said, if you are not formally trained in medical care, be cautious in actions you take. Moving someone with a neck injury, for example, could make it worse.

— 3. Contact ski patrol as soon as possible and wait for them to come to the scene. In addition to providing professional medical care, one thing they're supposed to do is facilitate an exchange of contact information for those involved. This can be helpful should legal action take place down the road. Staying at the scene of an accident that results in injury is actually something that's required by law.

— 4. Take notes about what happened that led to the accident. This can be difficult when injured or dazed, but can be crucial for potential legal proceedings down the road. Notes should be as detailed as possible.

— 5. Get contact information from potential witnesses. This can often include bystanders who may gather at the scene. This is another piece of information that may be helpful during potential future litigation. Plus, witnesses who weren't involved in a sudden accident and an adrenaline-induced daze that can follow may have a better...