If you don't give an old aged-out helmet to the local FD for training, then cut the straps off and throw it away. You don't do anyone any favors by giving them a helmet that's no longer without doubt safe to crash in.
Helmets What do you do with helmets?
- Thread starter Freelancer
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OP
OP
Good point. These are good to use, just not my style anymore.
I've never heard about a donation to the fire department.
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I've only got three, one I wear pretty much always and two blasts from the past.
The other two get used often enough by friends/guests/etc that I feel no need to "do" anything with them.
The other two get used often enough by friends/guests/etc that I feel no need to "do" anything with them.
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The life of the glues and Styrofoam used in helmet liners is 5-7 years from what I read. My current helmet is over 5 years old now so been looking to line up its replacement.
My last old helmet went to the local FD. I've been told that paramedics these days, at least in many locations, simply immobilize the head and neck of the victim by leaving the helmet on and taping it to the back board to avoid or reduce spine injury from attempting to remove it. Also if there is a possible head injury a helmet is a very good "container" to keep the gray matter inside the head if the skull bones are broken.
My last old helmet went to the local FD. I've been told that paramedics these days, at least in many locations, simply immobilize the head and neck of the victim by leaving the helmet on and taping it to the back board to avoid or reduce spine injury from attempting to remove it. Also if there is a possible head injury a helmet is a very good "container" to keep the gray matter inside the head if the skull bones are broken.
OP
OP
Just to add here... I'm a trained first responder. Part of the training is specifically how to safely remove a full face helmet. EVERY first responder, ambulance driver and paramedic knows this procedure with their eyes closed. Most hospital doctors will know it too, and while most nurses know it, by & large they prefer to defer the decision to someone else. I wouldn't expect a GP to have too much of a clue above what they've seen on TV though.
However, we also know that the only reason to do so at the roadside, is if the person in front of you would die if you don't. Unfortunately I've had to make that call for a friend & it's not a decision taken lightly.
Once at hospital, the procedure is simple. Keep the helmet on unless it immediately impedes treatment. As soon as is practical, stick them in a scanner to see what damage might happen as the helmet comes off. Worst case, a bone saw goes through a helmet perfectly well.
Back to the topic... Donate it would be my choice. To a local training centre, either the ones that teach people to ride, or the ones that teach medical staff.
AdHom, never seen that advice, certainly never filtered down to the Dr. that was trying to elongate my neck muscles, although in all fairness that was almost 19 years ago; I was but a boy.
On a similar note my Welsh friend (although I think you may have said you don't originate from Wales) can you confirm if Paramedics etc are aware of the quickly removable cheek pads on the latest helmets.
Ta Bud.
Upt'North.
Unless they are a biker, no. Even then, my helmet has quick release pads... I wouldn't remove someone else's pads. Either the whole thing comes off, or it stays in place. The party line is all or nothing. Not worth the risk to try removing them (or checking if they're there). Not worth being sued for ignoring the party line.
Unless you're getting ready to take a helmet off, I wouldn't even try to unfasten the chin strap.
The interesting part of it (for me, at least) is the front flip helmets. Most trainers don't teach to look for a release button under the chin. In a situation with a compromised airway, you really want to be wearing a front flip. Allows resuscitation without compromising the spine/neck but also gives facial protection at the moment of impact.
Equally, bike cops are likely aware of how to remove helmets, but general traffic guys/gals probably not. Beat cops very unlikely. In all cases, they'd know to leave well alone unless they'd been specifically instructed in safe removal.
Anyway....
... Apologies.
Donate them to a technical school's paint department for students to practice on.
Put them on Craiglist in the Free section. They'll be gone in minutes.
ST Gui
240Robert
There are probably times a first responder if removing the helmet should grab the sides of the hat or the straps (if not cut too short) to open the helmet up a little while removing it. My Shoei is a neck-stretcher if that isn't done. DAMHIKT.
OP
OP
Great idea. BTW...These are not blown out helmets; they still look fairly new.
Can you suggest a training unit in Houston, tx or a department I might contsct?
Thanks
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That is the process, at least in the UK. One person holds your neck, coming up from you stomach. One person holds the lid from above. Fingers go inside & pull away from your ears.
Unfortunately, my front flip helmet is even worse - it will not come off unless you first flip it open. That's the reason I raised the topic of front flips on my last training course.
Unfortunately, I live in the UK, so my knowledge is pretty limited for you. Pop into your local ambulance depot / fire dept / hospital unit & ask them for the training centre contact details. I'm sure they'll be more than happy to put you in contact with the right people.
Oh, and if donating to medical staff, please DONT cut the straps or drill it. If that's appropriate, they'll do it. We use the straps for a better grip etc.
OP
OP
STripper
Brian
That's what I did with my old modular helmet.
I put one in my dumpster a day or two ago. I live in the bullseye of tornado alley. I wish now I would have saved It for my neighbors. I’m sitting here next to my storm cellar now as a storm blows by. I was getting rid of something that I didn’t want hanging around in my garage. Could possibly safe somebody’s life. I never even thought about it.
Make a hanging flower pot out of it... 
migresch
"Carpe diem"
I donate them to the local fire department and to the local paramedic academy and to the local MSF course for training.
Manufacturers say they are good for 5 years. Reason being is that the Styrofoam is engineered to crush at a rate to not slap your brain against the inside of your skull. This prevents bruising and swelling of the brain... which has killed two of my buddies who rode Harleys and riding with helmets couldn't be done. Nothing wrong with them and both low speed low side accidents. Their heads just hit the pavement as they went down. After 5 years the foam starts to harden and it loses its ability to crush at the proper rate to prevent brain swelling. This is why at 6 yrs the manufacturers say to buy another helmet. When buying a helmet ensure you look at the manufactured date. if two years old then I ask for a discount as I lost two years worth of use out of it. Now my dad was wearing his half and full helmets from the 70's until the day he died in bed at 86 yrs old. Scratches and scuffs galore. Just depends on your comfort level of risk and education level... Me, I would put them on the memory wall or trash them, but I do like the flower pot idea!
Using them in a tornado shelter is a GREAT idea.
Donating them to a MSF training site (where they will be used mostly in low speed maneuvers) is also a great choice.
Donating them to a paramedic training center is great as well. Displaying them on your garage wall costs you nothing if any of the previous is not easily accessed.