Helmet removal...after the get-off

[Omega Man]

Has anyone considered helmet removal after the get-off (crash) ? There are some inflatable systems which at first glance look real good but the first responders would have to be familiar with the system. I was looking at the hat/liner system- http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=6075 didn't look to bad. Anybody with experience? Gary

[mcmxcivrs]

I'd be more concerned about the responders knowing how to properly use that item, or worse, some unskilled bystander deciding that they could use it to remove the helmet.

Helmet removal is a standard skill that is taught to emergency responders and is not so difficult when you know how to do it right. I does require two people to do, one to stabilze the patients c-spine, the other to remove the helmet. Typically, unless the situation is life threatening, the need to remove the helmet is not the highest priority anyway, it's usually left until the assessment and stabilization are done or well under way.

[tommcgee]

I've seen some stickers alerting first responders about the possible danger in helmet removal. (Don't recall where I saw them...)

[froggy]

I usually wear my modular helmet which is easier to remove after a crash.I have not had a crash bad enough to involve paramedics,but being a BEEMER rider,I am required to have all safety devises in place...helmet-check,armor pants and jacket-check,armor gloves-check,riding boots-check,air bags front rear and sides-check check and check.

[kgadley01]

I've seen some stickers alerting first responders about the possible danger in helmet removal. (Don't recall where I saw them...)

I think this is the sticker your talking about. We got them at a Safety Booth in Daytona.

[greenwald]

I'd be more concerned about the responders knowing how to properly use that item, or worse, some unskilled bystander deciding that they could use it to remove the helmet.

Helmet removal is a standard skill that is taught to emergency responders and is not so difficult when you know how to do it right. I does require two people to do, one to stabilze the patients c-spine, the other to remove the helmet. Typically, unless the situation is life threatening, the need to remove the helmet is not the highest priority anyway, it's usually left until the assessment and stabilization are done or well under way.

Good advice in this previous post.

I was certified an EMT since 1976, rode as an ambulance attendant for 15 years and did 11 years as an ER technician at Memorial Medical Center (Sheboygan, WI) on the 'graveyard' shift.

Unless my initial assessment from the neck up indicated an altered level of consciousness, unequal pupils, compromised airway, skull trauma, bleeding out from a head wound or cerebrospinal fluid coming from an ear (both can be assessed by a finger sweep inside a worn helmet), we would leave the helmet in place for prompt transport, securing the patient's head to a longboard and not disturbing C-spine alignment.

[Polarbear]

I suspect a lot of helmets would have to come off too, to establish if a person is breathing? I'm not a rescue person, just asking. I've had a bad head injury and the helmet would probably be more comfy on those backboards. Those guys straped me to a board, head injury and all. It hurt! Good thing they did, as I went into shock, needed oxygen and shook uncontrolably. Won't forget that day. Not m/c related, my injury. A fall from a rooftop. Thank you, Paramedics out there in the world...My Daughter today is one too. Randy

[greenwald]

I suspect a lot of helmets would have to come off too, to establish if a person is breathing? I'm not a rescue person, just asking. I've had a bad head injury and the helmet would probably be more comfy on those backboards. Those guys straped me to a board, head injury and all. It hurt! Good thing they did, as I went into shock, needed oxygen and shook uncontrolably. Won't forget that day. Not m/c related, my injury. A fall from a rooftop. Thank you, Paramedics out there in the world...My Daughter today is one too. Randy

Glad you came out OK on the other end of your "up on the rooftop" experience!

Helmet removal is problematical. By that, I mean different circumstances and mechanisms of injury dictate different approaches by EMS.

Conscious patients w/o altered levels of consciousness - often helmet left in place when cervical injury suspected. Best removed in the ER, after x-rays and where more hands are available and complications can be managed.

However, should airway issues (inlcuding potential vomitting) become a concern, the helmet needs to be off, for example, to initiate a modified jaw thrust (a way to open the airway for breathing assistance with minimal disturbance of the C-spine).

My hat ( or helmet ) is off to your daughter for being motivated to be trained to paramedic standards and be of help to those in need. We need more like her.

Ride Safe, and keep your decorations this year at ground level!

[rmarkr]

To change the subject a bit;
Where or how would and EMT responder look for one's I.C.E. (in case of emergency) info? If I had an ICE file on my phone, or on a memory card in my sleeve pocket, or a written note on my chin strap, would it be found? - assuming I'm unresponsive.