Topic: Hats Off (Emergency Helmet Removal System)

[GeoffT]

Seen this in operation couple of weeks ago at a BikeAid course.

www.hatsoff.info

Thought I'd pass it on. Any one seen this or any comments to make?

[Gordon]

Never seen it before, but seems like a great idea to me. 

[clarkjh]

Cool idea, add another item to the need to get list.

James

[heffay]

I wonder how many rescuers would actually see the little sticker telling them to inflate their unconscious victims helmet... 

[GeoffT]

I wonder how many rescuers would actually see the little sticker telling them to inflate their unconscious victims helmet... 

Many of the Emergency Services in the UK already know about it and more are catching on to the idea. I was surprised on their site how far it is already known.

Perhaps we bikers should all spread the word and make sure our local services are aware of it and suggest that they cary the kit which can also be inserted at the scene of an accident.

[ElCheapo]

Cool idea I think.

In Texas as a first responder we were never allowed to remove helmets - EVER. As a matter of fact my helmet has two tags on each side informing the paramedic not to remove the helmet until I am at the hospital.

Now I know this is TOTAL FREAK ACCIDENT. But I saw a nasty motorcycle accident back in high school. The guy wiped out bad, with the bike doing helecopters on the ground while skiding and wacking him a few times. His helmet took several serious hits from the nike, stand still debris and just whatever. The details escape me no but the fact that the guy got up, walked around, and was talking to paramedics when he pulled his helmet off. Some how he managed to crack his skull in such a way that the helmet was sort of holding his head together. Soon as the helmet came off he was on the ground with his lovely jellied skull dead as a stone. Of course this was back 1987, helmet technology has greatly improved since. So much, that the economy model helmets of now beat the Top of the line helmets of then.

Anyway I think it is a great idea. Any amount of true help at this point (after a crash) is great.

[cbjunkie]

ew. gross...
well, i guess this product would not help mr. jelly-head anyway.

drink a pint for mr. jelly-head.
cheers, mate.
and r.i.p.

[GeoffT]

Cool idea I think.

In Texas as a first responder we were never allowed to remove helmets - EVER. As a matter of fact my helmet has two tags on each side informing the paramedic not to remove the helmet until I am at the hospital.

Now I know this is TOTAL FREAK ACCIDENT. But I saw a nasty motorcycle accident back in high school. The guy wiped out bad, with the bike doing helecopters on the ground while skiding and wacking him a few times. His helmet took several serious hits from the nike, stand still debris and just whatever. The details escape me no but the fact that the guy got up, walked around, and was talking to paramedics when he pulled his helmet off. Some how he managed to crack his skull in such a way that the helmet was sort of holding his head together. Soon as the helmet came off he was on the ground with his lovely jellied skull dead as a stone. Of course this was back 1987, helmet technology has greatly improved since. So much, that the economy model helmets of now beat the Top of the line helmets of then.

Anyway I think it is a great idea. Any amount of true help at this point (after a crash) is great.

Thats a very important Point Tom and your right CB 'Hats Off' would have been no help to him. The medic who was instructing us reiterated a few times that you should only remove the helmet if life is in danger. Say if breathing has stopped or if the casualty begins to vomit or says he is going to vomit which obviously can become a choking hazard. He told us that he has come across a few bike casualties and at times Helmets have been removed, like the guy you spoke off Tom, when they should not have been and not been removed when they should have. Apparently last year he was at a scene where a girl was involved in a bike accident as a pillion, those on the scene first would not remove the helmet because spinal injury was suspected and she was unconcious. The medics did all they could but the girl died. Turned out there was nothing wrong with her spine but she had choked on her tongue and suffocated.

Another point you reminded me of was that if there is any sign of impact damage to the helmet, a large dent or any breakage then the 'Hats Off' system should not be used as it may put pressure on a damaged skull. In that case, if the helmet has to be removed, it should be done by hand with as little movement to the neck as possible.

I hasten to add that I am no expert. I had the opportunity to go on this one day course about road safety and first aid for bikers run by bikers in the emergency services and found it very informative.

[turtle]

You guys all raise interesting points. I was reminded of a helmet I saw recently on "The New Inventors" - an Aussie TV programme where people get to showcase their ideas. In this case, it was a helmet designed for jockeys but could certainly be adapted for bikes. It was strapless with a rear closure (a kind of  locking trapdoor) and fitted firmly (adjustable) against the chin. By undoing the "door" at the back, the helmet could easily be removed without doing any spinal damage.