Felida Rodriguez '09 sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries Tuesday afternoon at the Dartmouth Skiway after veering into trees while skiing down the "MBA Trail" during her weekly physical education ski class.
"Another student in the class spotted the injured skier and signaled the class instructor, who immediately summoned the Dartmouth Ski Patrol," Dartmouth Director of Media Relations Roland Adams said in a prepared statement to The Dartmouth.
Found along the side of the trail, Rodriguez received on-site emergency care from Ski Patrol members and was then transferred to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center for further medical attention.
According to a statement issued by the Dartmouth Ski Patrol, patrollers from the station at the top of the slope responded immediately.
"The patient received emergency care on the scene and was transported by toboggan to the first aid room. Care was then transferred to a Hanover Fire Department ambulance crew, and the patient was transported to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center," the statement continued.
Those around the Skiway reported hearing screams and then witnessed Ski Patrol members transporting Rodriguez down the trail.
"I only heard afterwards that she skied off into the woods and was screaming, and then we saw her being brought down by the ski patrol," Allison Caley '09, who was present at the Skiway at the time of the incident, said.
According to Alex Abate '09, one of Rodriguez's friends and floormates, she broke her femur and sustained injuries to her face. She is listed in serious condition at DHMC as of yesterday evening.
Rodriguez, who was wearing a helmet, was the second skier to be injured at the Skiway this year, following an incident last month involving a 12-year-old local resident who fell from a chair lift at the Skiway.
Rodriguez is not the first student to sustain serious injuries while skiing in a physical education class. Christina Porter '06 died last year from complications from a Skiway accident, and her death from head truama led to the establishment of a helmet requirement for students enrolled in physical education skiing classes.
Students who were close to Rodriguez express shock and concern for Rodriguez, who, because of her injuries, will not be returning for the Spring term.
"I live on her floor," Abate said. "Everyone is pretty shocked. Apparently she's not going to be on next term. She really livened up our floor."
Director of Ski Patrol Matt Fulton extended his sympathy and warned about the inherent risks students take when they hit the slopes.
"As always, we [at the Ski Patrol] are saddened whenever one of our guests is injured," Fulton said. "Despite our best efforts at injury prevention, the sport of skiing will always have elements of inherent risk. We certainly send our best wishes to the patient and family for a speedy recovery."
According to Adams, Rodriguez's family members, who reside in Florida, made speedy travel plans after being contacted by the College.
"The College has also offered support to the student's fellow skiers and class instructor, roommate and close friends," he said.
Officials at the Dartmouth Skiway declined to comment.
