Hats Off Device

[Jim Lamb]

There was recently a thread on the HANS device rapidly being adopted in the lower levels of the sport and the approach to its handling by Marshals & Rescue/KED crews.
All interesting and beneficial stuff from a training and familiarisation perspective.......

With the latest edition of Motorsports Now, there was a copy of the latest GPR Catalogue. On page 17 there is an interesting article on the Hats Off device for Emergency Helmet Removal?. (I have also scanned a copy and posted in my gallery on the Marshals post Site See Technical Rescue - Hats Off )
Now I have heard of this device and seen early prototypes but I had not seen or expected that it was in use, especially in the UK. The text alludes to the fact that It is in use by 'UK paramedic and circuit rescue services'.

Is this so, does anyone on the list have any experience of its usage? I would appreciate comments on its effectiveness, ease of use etc.

My initial view is that it can't be that effective due to the way in which a Helmet is shaped to fit around the Skull. Anyone like to respond and convince me otherwise?

Thanks in anticipation,

Jim Lamb

[greenbean]

jim we did look at this device at last years training day .jim w had one it comes on a card which you are supposed to slide up the inside of the helmet

[Teletubby]

There are two types, pre-fitted and the 'emergency' kit.

An increasing number of drivers are having them fitted in their helmets, this is indicated by a small black and white sticker normally on the right hand side of the helmet, this also shows where the inflation tbe can be found, normally just tucked inside the helmet's lining.

The emergency kit consists of a pre-folded 'balloon' (for want of a better term) on a semi-rigid plastic introducer. After measuring how much needs to be introduced the device is slid in the top of the visor gap until the measured amount has been inserted.

At this point both systems are operated in the same way. A bulb (of the type used with a sphygmomanometer) is used to inflate the device which gently lifts the helmet off the casualty's head. The helmet MUST be guided off and c-spine control must be maintained.

It seems to be very efficient and does significantly reduce c-spine movement compared to the traditional method of removal (which is a good thing) however it's use is contra-indicated in suspected head injuries due to the potential to increase damage from skull fractures.

A reasonable number of Rescue units are carrying them now and some championships are looking at mandating their fitting in drivers helmets.

All-in-all an excellent tool if used correctly.

Hope that helps!

[sss]

we have used it twice so far, once on a motorcyclist at brands and once on a rally cross driver, both times effective and did the job.

[graeme]

Saw this in the Grand Prix Racewear catalogue which came with Motorsports Now! (does anyone read beyond the entertaining judical reports...?). My first though was it would do a grand job of caving the top of your head in if you'd damaged your skull - but previous posts suggest they are worth having? Any idea of price?

[Teletubby]

Graeme, check your PMs!

[blackx]

We saw this being demonstrated last weekend during our assesment weekend ....
IMHO a helmet fitted with this system would be quite easy to use and would not cause any real stress provided it was used with care...
The "portable" system which comes on a card backing however could create its own problems...
It was demonstrated on a guy wearing a helmet which was in fact too big to be used in competition and the helmet wearer felt it was difficult enough to insert the balloon with a helmet which was bigger than it ought to be let alone a nice snug fitting lid...
I myself have no experience of actually using this system but feel that factory fitted systems are ok but other systems need using with more care and only by people who have knowledge of the system..

[JimW]

I've used this in training quite a bit over the last year. Leaving aside the prohibition of use when there are signs that skull injury may be present, I think it looks like a useful addition to the range of options open to us.

It radically reduces the forces applied to the cervical spine and that is our main worry.

I have not yet noticed any use of pre-fitted helmets in this country. Anyone come across this?

Points to note:

I would advise that you never use the cylinder of gas which comes with some versions.
Remember that you still need two people to do the job properly and that the helmet still needs rotation into the proper orientation to clear the nose/occipital region.
It is not the quickest way of removing a helmet so, if the casualty is not breathing, nothing should interfere with restoration of an airway and artificial respiration if still required.

I’ve had two casualties who turned out to have actual spinal injuries this year so this possibility has been re-enforced.

Certainly I have added one (at about £15) to our first response bag.

Regards

Jim

[docdave]

I would entirely concur with jims comments, but also add that the manufacturer states that it can be used with the o2 cylinder something I regard as highly dangerous!!

[Gizmo]

Again, I would echo the comments from Jimw, BlackX and Docdave, I think it is another piece of kit that once we are familiar with it, will be a useful addition to the "bag" but in a limited way as discussed. Can`t believe the manufacturers suggestion about using anything to inflate other than the manual "sphyg" bulb....mind you...goood fun to have on training days, shooting lids off the top of unsuspecting trainees....

[JimW]

shooting lids off the top of unsuspecting trainees

Provided you don't mind collecting the noses afterwards.

JIm

[Jim Lamb]

Well Folks thanks for the responses. It looks like things have moved on during my 'sabbatical' with one or two 'Tech Rescue' devices being Introduced.

I shall have to take a good look in the appropriate response bag and investigate these things at the next training opportunity.

So what else is new in the last twelve months??? Are there any other 'Trick' bits of kit that have been introduced and passed me by despite trying to keep 'up to date'!

Stay Safe,
Jim Lamb

[blackx]

The preferrd reading material has now moved on as well Jim....

We are now evaluating the merits of Viz....

[Tracey]

I've seen this bit of kit demonstrated. Liked it so much, I bought one and have practised with it. My 'stooge' has a big head, that made any helmet tight, and we experienced no problem getting the card in, or the helmet off. The little gas cylinder is also very good - has a squeeze trigger so you can control the speed of removal - and is very smooth. I have also seen removal by the use of an oxygen cylinder at a low rate - again, very smooth and controlled. As I recall the Speedway Board of Control had several teams as guinea pigs, with the long term plan of making it mandatory, as it already is in IRL. I will try to find the website address, unless someone posts it first.

[Gizmo]

Originally posted by blackx
The preferrd reading material has now moved on as well Jim....

We are now evaluating the merits of Viz....

And it could take some time!!!

[sss]

the main thing to remember is that any indication of a head injury then you should considor leaving it in the bag.

but it doesnt take up a lot of space in the unit, some riders/drivers are already having it fitted.

its a piece of kit that is worth having in the armoury of the rescue unit, just in case.

[Jim Lamb]

Originally posted by blackx
The preferrd reading material has now moved on as well Jim....

We are now evaluating the merits of Viz....

Gosh how quaint!!! They say fashions return every few years. Seem to remember 'Viz' being in the Unit Library when I first started Rescue.
Careful whoever mentioned "before Moses came down the conker tree" !!

[Gizmo]

Originally posted by Jim Lamb
Gosh how quaint!!! They say fashions return every few years. Seem to remember 'Viz' being in the Unit Library when I first started Rescue.
Careful whoever mentioned "before Moses came down the conker tree" !!

Jim...it it was good enough for you then it`s good enough for me Nearly as funny as sending in the unsuspecting trainee to get a copy of Sunday Sport from a newsagent in S Wales...now that was just plain naughty
Hope to see you soon mate