Rescue Helmets

[thegattitude]

I'm a fairly new guy working on an Engine/Rescue and I keep finding myself in a dangerous situation on rescue scenes. We use our standard fire helmets during auto extrications and they get in the way a lot. If I have to do any interior work my helmet usually ends up on top of the car and not on my melon.<br /> I guess I'd like to hear everyones opinion on what kinda helmets they use and how well they work. We have a couple of swift water rescue helmets laying around that I was thinking about trying because I like the extremely low profile that they offer, but I figured I oughta get the opinions of some of y'all before I bring the idea up 'round here. I don't really know if OSHA has any certain reg's or not or if NFPA has anything to say about it either.<br />I'd appreciate any wise input here. Thanks

[LadderCapp]

In my dept. we all wear cairns 1010, or leather New Yorkers. Although they do get in the way, I don't know that there is a good option helmet wise to wear inside a car doing extrication. In all reality at the times I spent inside a car, more often than not my helmet was left on the roof, hood, or trunk lid. I understand all about the stress on personal protection and all the trimmings, but in the real world as long as you have some goggles and your eyes and face is relatively protected my line of thought is that it's ok. In all reality, the helmet is designed to protect from crush injuries more than anything. So if the car were to become unstable, you would have some protection if it fell. but in all reality if it rolls over on you, the helmet isn't going to do a hell of a lot of good anyway.

[Litch]

I consider a low profile helmet extremely important for extrication work. I have a Cairns Commando and also a very low profile rock climbing helment that has a headlamp mounted on it. I have been struck on the head by various tools while working with patients during extrications.The headlamp is extremely helpful as well.

[Jack Crabtree]

How about a helmet for every different occasion/event.

[andres044]

Try the Advent Helmet by Bullard. It is comfortable, lightweight, came with face shield and it have excellent suspension for shock absorbing. You should add a backside light for night operations. It also comes with the adapter for light. Consider using safety glasses in addition to face shield. Also remember face shield will increase helmet weight and could be discomfort in long extrications.

[ 01-01-2002: Message edited by: andres044 ]</p>

[RESQYODA]

I HAVE A CRATE FULL OF RESCUE HELMETS. THE ONE I LIKE BEST IS MARKETED BY PMI. IT IS KEVLAR AND IS MADE BY PACIFIC HELMETS (THE SAME OUTFIT THAT MANUFACTURES THE KIWI). IT HAS THE SAME RACHET ADJUSTMENT AS ITS BIG BROTHER BUT IS CONSIDERABLY LIGHTER IN WEIGHT. IT ALSO COSTS ABOUT HALF AS MUCH ($80.00). I OWN THE ONES MENTIONED IN THE OTHER RESPONSES TO YOUR QUERY AND LIKE THIS ONE THE BEST.