Blood type helmet sticker

[ad.hom]

We were taught the "safe" way to remove a helmet, but also explicitly told on more than one occasion "you will very likely cause permanent paralysis if you chose to do this - it must only ever be done if you're 100% sure there is an immediate threat to life. The saws used to remove plaster-casts work perfectly well on helmets, and there's plenty of those in the hospital."

The choice I was faced with, was either to watch a buddy suffocate inside his helmet, or take it off knowing he might never ride (or walk) again. Even though someone was smiling down on both him & I that day, just typing that previous sentence made me choke up a little. It's a choice I would never want anyone else to have to make, and I sincerely hope I'm never put in that position again. For those that know the terminology, he had Le Fort I and II (as well as a lot of other less serious problems) and I knew it immediately on scene - and had thankfully just re-certified and they went over that specific case about a month beforehand.

 

[Andrew Shadow]

We were taught the "safe" way to remove a helmet, ......

When I totaled my ST1100, I flew 20 or 30 feet over the car that I hit and landed flat on my back on the black-top. After the initial impact and catching my breath, the most painful thing was the EMT trying to remove my helmet. My helmet fit properly, i.e. not loosely. He almost ripped my ears off trying to remove my helmet. I had to physically grab his arms and stop him from pulling on it.
I removed it myself. If I had had some kind of neck injury, it may not have ended well for me.

I don't know if they do or not but, I think that all first responders should receive training on removing helmets.

 

[aniwack]

I’m going to be the bump on the log.
That’s cute and all but honestly, I’m going to ignore anything on someone’s helmet. Liability wise, I don’t know the accuracy of that or even if that’s the person wearing the helmet. I’ve dealt with this first hand. So I’m going to follow patient protocol and do the same 20 questions I ask every patient and confirm their identity through Photo ID. Medical alert bracelets are just as worthless. I’m going to run an IV until the trauma nurses run your matching tests.
Don’t waste your money on this unless you’re looking to be cool. If the patient is conscious I’m more worried about allergies and reactions.

 

[Chef Jim]

Med alert jewelry or tattoos. Talked with the EMT’s teaching my last CPR class. They said that they always check for med alerts.

 

[ST1100Y]

You are both correct about helmet removal, it is a little more difficult to place a cervical collar and keep the neck inline.
unfortunately, almost every motorcycle accident I worked the helmet was removed before I got there.
I used to see stickers saying please do not remove my helmet….

Different regulations over here, basic first aid training is mandatory when applying for any driving license...
(In fact can not engaging raise a legal case of failure to provide assistance...)
Attended a voluntary, two day, motorcycle specific course to broaden my mind on this chapter...
Unconscious victim, not breathing, requiring CPR, checking throat for obstructions (vomit, broken teeth, dentures, etc...) ...not even a flip-front helmet gives required clearance for the procedures... we practiced a 2 person procedure for carefully taking a helmet off...
If he/she is responsive, obviously breathing, etc... I'd rather not...
(hint: those who scream do breath on their own, the silent casualties need attention first...)

 

[mjc506]

Different regulations over here, basic first aid training is mandatory when applying for any driving license...

That's an excellent regulation. Would possibly even encourage new drivers to take it steady for a while...

 

[ad.hom]

I don't know if they do or not but, I think that all first responders should receive training on removing helmets.

I was, as are all First Responders on this side of the pond. The rule remains the same "don't do it unless you have to, and if you have to, be warned you might need to pay for counselling after."

Someone that was trying to rip your ears off is the exact example they teach about how to NOT remove a helmet. And as others have said, if you're making noise (even just wheezing), I know you're breathing, even if you're breathing badly... so if I'm on scene and you're making noises... there's no way in hell I'm letting anyone even think about removing a helmet at the roadside. Literally the only reason to take the risk, is lack of breathing, and then the choice is more or less made already.

Equally, on training courses, I've heard people say "cut the straps, it'll make the helmet easier to get off." WTH?!? No, undo the buckle properly, if you already ride, it's a lot quicker to undo the buckle than it is to think about taking a sharp knife to someone's neck (who then might wake up & get the wrong idea about what you're doing!).

 

[aniwack]

You are both correct about helmet removal, it is a little more difficult to place a cervical collar and keep the neck inline.

unfortunately, almost every motorcycle accident I worked the helmet was removed before I got there.

I used to see stickers saying please do not remove my helmet….

I've dealt with the same thing. By the time we get there the rider has usually removed it themselves or has been asked by law enforcers to remove it. If they start hollering they can't, then that's a special type of c-spine collar we use and the docs get to play with it. I like modulars because they at least open up and I can see the patient.
Regarding the fate of the helmet, unless the rider physically retains the helmet, 9 out of 10 times it goes with the bike on the tow truck if a family member doesn't come to the scene.

 

[tinboatcapt]

I had a minor get off. I still don't remember what happened. Right side of the full face helmet was hammered soft. The helmet was intact. including the strap when I came to in the emergency room. Thank all the gods, that who ever took it off didn't paralyze me.

I worked safety corners at a road coarse race track for years. In the event of an incident, Our procedure was to stabilize the head/neck of the downed rider until the bus arrived. If the downed rider was conscious, we would do everything to keep the rider from moving, and report everything we observed to the para's.

I suspect helpful soles had no such training in my case. I have no proof. As I said. I remember nothing of the indecent.

Thank you all, who professionally respond in a time of need.
Jim