Crash Helmet

The crash helmet protects the casualty’s head from injuries, but does however transmit the force of the collision to the cervical vertebral column (injury of the cervical vertebrae).

Danger!

You have to remove the helmet to check the breathing of an unconscious casualty, and to eliminate danger of suffocation in case he has vomited. Unskilled removal of the helmet can cause additional injuries to the vertebral column.

First Aid

• If the casualty is conscious, you can help him to remove the helmet carefully.
• If the casualty is without consciousness, you must remove the helmet to check the casualty’s breathing.

Helmet Removal by two First-Aiders

One first-aider kneels at the free side of the casualty’s head and grasps the helmet both hands in order to fix the head, thereby exerting gentle traction, and the second first aider proceeds as follows:

1. Open the visor.
2. Open the chin strap. While the helmet is removed, the second helper holds the casualty’s head in place and the first helper proceeds as follows:
3. Tilt the helmet, until the nose appears under the chin strap.
4. Remove the helmet cautiously.

It is now the first helper’s turn to hold the casualty’s head in place, and to put it down cautiously with careful traction.

When the helmet has been removed, make an emergency diagnosis and take immediate life saving measures.

Accident Prevention:

Cyclists, moped-riders, motorcyclists:

Wear suitable clothing and head gear (crash helmet)!

A full visor helmet offers best possible protection.

Note: Motorcyclists are obliged by law to wear helmets (since 1986 also moped-riders)!