ltc

This is the first I heard of a device to help EMT's remove your helmet with minimal risk (after immobilzing neck/spine).

http://www.hmsmotorsport.com/store/r...-helmet-system

Anyone else heard of this? Any mention at Club Racing level?
Snell/SFI/FIA approval?

A.Wayne

Two Enzo

earlyapex

Do the EMT's at your track(s) have the appropriate "inflator bulb". It is useless without one.

fatbillybob

device used to be called "hats off" and emt can use their BP cuff bulb. Also many ER's already have this system that slided up the helmet and inflates to remove the helmet. They deal with cycle crashes routinely and this kind of device is used routinely. I am not sure of the value of carrying one around in your helmet.

earlyapex

The average EMS provider is trained on how to safely remove helmets. This device adds another layer of complexity to a very simply problem.

My ER does not use any special devices to remove helmets. This can be done very safely without them.

95m3racer

I think the main concern was having the helmet "hang up" on the head. If the helmet is fitted properly, it will be snug, and will cause some friction while removing it. This device seems to basically allow the neck/head to stay in a fix position, without any upward force being introduced. It does make a "simple" problem more complex, but this technique has been around for a while, using air filled bladders to remove many different types of objects off a person while restricting movement.

It'll be interesting to see what, if any, regulations are setup for a device like this.

chris walrod

just dont accidentally hook it up to your cool suit or drink bottle pump.

Seriously now, I have not seen this used at all with the open wheel crowd. Not yet, at least.

earlyapex

Our hospital actively support Laguna Seca. This system is not regularly used by the pro and club racers in the area. We will cut off a helmet if there is any risk of an unstable cervical fracture. The video imbedded in the HMS web site didn't show the unit working. I would be interested to see something concrete and why this is better than the standard cevical spine protocols that we use daily.

OBTW, we see many more football injuries where careful removal of their helmet is paramount. I consider these players, who are generally highschool aged, at a higher risk for neck injury than a race car driver with a HANS.

Again, I would like to see some data to support this helmet extraction system.

gbaker

Data? In the racing safety industry? Let's not get scientific...

(I've seen it around, but, as already mentioned, I've heard the EMTs have some magic they regularly perform, so it is not used much.)

earlyapex

LOL!

Richard S

This system has been demonstrated and recommended at Open Road Racing.....think high speed (200+mph) road rally in the Nevada desert. Our rescue crews highly recommend this system and know how to use it. There isn't an emergency room near enough to cut the helmet off safely, so the common wisdom is that this system would give the first responders another means to perhaps quickly and safely remove the helmet in the field (or desert). Blow a tire near 200mph (has happened several times) and the outcome isn't pretty....another safety item is a welcome addition if used properly.

Rich....199mph in the Nevada desert....

ltc

I'm still wondering about the implications of using such a device assuming it has no (FIA/SFI/Snell/pick your own) apparent certifications.
Something even as simple as a balaclava is SFI/FIA rated.

earlyapex

Let's see it tested and verified first. If it works as claimed, it would be better to have such as system built into each helmet, ensuring that it is properly installed.

Richard S

How should it be tested? Serious question.

I saw it demonstrated by the safety/resucue squad. Sure enough, it pushes the helmet off. Does it exert any force on the neck? Well, I guess that could be tested and quantified. But to me, it appears that I would rather have this item push the helmet off me, than to have the helmet pulled off in some manner (assuming cutting it off was not an option).

Rich

earlyapex

It only takes two people to safely take off a helmet, one to stabilize the cervical spine and the other to remove the helmet. EMS people do this all the time.