Helmet removal in head and neck trauma.

Roberts, W O · Phys Sportsmed · 1998

expert_opinion · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

When an ice hockey player hits the boards head-first after a hard body check or a football defensive back doesn't get up after a head-on tackle, the initial response is critical. If the player is unconscious or not breathing, it may be necessary to remove his or her helmet to access the airway. Helmet removal requires a careful, methodical approach to avoid compounding a suspected injury to the spinal cord.