Technique – Removing a helmet from a motorcyclist
The following technique can only be performed safely by 2 people
1. Kneel at the side of the injured person, near their head. Ask a bystander to kneel at the top of the injured person’s head.
2. Instruct the bystander to gently grasp the helmet with both of their hands, on both sides of the helmet.
3. Undo or cut the chin straps.
4. Without moving the head, ease the fingers of one hand under the back edge of the helmet and support the back of the person’s neck. Use your other hand to hold on to the person’s jaw, at the front. Do not move the neck.
5. While keeping hold of the person’s neck and jaw, instruct the bystander to:
■ Grip the helmet under the rim/edges at the sides, and pull them apart. Gently tilt the helmet back without moving the head.
■Lift the front of the helmet clear of the chin/lower jaw.
■ Tilt the helmet slightly forward, so the back of the helmet passes over the rear of the skull.
6. The bystander should now be able to slide the helmet off the person’s head, while you support the person’s head. Do not let the head drop to the ground.
7. Be careful not to hurt the person’s ears when removing a tightly fitted helmet.