Helmets with flip faceshield, are they a hazard after an accident ?

[Bob Wegman]

 The helmet I have Nolan brand requires the helmet to be opened up at the front to remove.  This is no problem for the rider as long as he is conscious, however, if knocked unconscious from an accident, I wonder how many First Responder personnel are familiar with the steps required to open the faceshield.  Non Flip shield helmets can be removed without these steps.  Someone yanking on a helmet with a Flip Shield could cause additional injury to an unconscious rider.  I know First Responders train on many scenarios concerning MVAs, and I think we can draw comfort in that,but many helmets open differently even in the same brand.  Also,  Many states don't have helmet laws, so maybe their First Responders aren't as familiar with helmet removal procedures.  What do you think?

[ken farr]

I don't have any worries in that area.

I have faith in the training of all the first responders I have met and worked with, now the well intentioned  good Samaritan on the other hand.......


kjf

[Arizona Wayne]

I don't have any worries in that area.
 now the well intentioned  good Samaritan on the other hand.......


kjf

That well meaning  person could mess up taking either full coverage designed helmet off.   

[canuguzzi]

Some of the buckle type straps are difficult to take off of you aren't familiar with them too. They'll figure it out.

[Nic in Western NYS]

When I had a Nolan I was concerned about how well the opening mechanism would function after even a minor impact. 

[wymple]

Did a lot of tumbling with a flip face ...twice...both times it was fully functional & no problem. I can put mine on or take it off with the shield up or down.

[Doppelgaenger]

Honestly, when they want to get your helmet or leathers off they'll usually cut them off instead of trying to move you around to get at the buckles and cause more damage.

[Arizona Wayne]

Honestly, when they want to get your helmet or leathers off they'll usually cut them off instead of trying to move you around to get at the buckles and cause more damage.

If my helmets don't come w/a quick release latch I install 1. Hate D-ring setups.

[Sasquatch Jim]

  In Most of the crashes I have been in with a helmet, the face shield has saved my face then been torn off the helmet.
  Problem solved.   
  If I am conscious, the first thing I do is unbuckle the helmet because I know how much EMTs love their scissors.
 If I am able, the second thing is remove the leather jacket.  Same reason.
 I have probably cause frustration for several EMTs this way.

[jas67]

  In Most of the crashes I have been in with a helmet, the face shield has saved my face then been torn off the helmet.
  Problem solved.   
  If I am conscious, the first thing I do is unbuckle the helmet because I know how much EMTs love their scissors.
 If I am able, the second thing is remove the leather jacket.  Same reason.
 I have probably cause frustration for several EMTs this way.

If you've crashed a helmet, it should be replaced anyway.

[Sasquatch Jim]

 So say the helmet sellers.

[malik]

My Arai has the quick release tabs. Comforting.

At the recent motorcycle expo in Sydney, there was a prototype of a helmet in the final stages of development that releases from the rear. It has hinges & clips like a modular helmet, but the rear section flips open & the helmet is removed outward from the face. Great idea. Works really well. Developed by bike-riding EMT types for ease of removal. It's likely that it will be a while before it hits the market, certifications & approvals are likely to take a while, at least.

Mal

[Arizona Wayne]

Well 10? years ago I went down w/my full coverage Nolan helmet w/quick release latch on and while unconscious the EMTs took it off and I never felt a thing. Didn't wake up until I was in the ambulance. 

[Triple Jim]

Honestly, when they want to get your helmet or leathers off they'll usually cut them off instead of trying to move you around to get at the buckles and cause more damage.

That's for sure.  When I crashed about 35 years ago and had to be taken to the hospital, the paramedic that was helping me asked if he should cut my helmet strap.  I eagerly said I'd try to get it loose, and I did.   Then he asked the same thing about my leather jacket, and I was again able to save it by carefully taking it off with his help.  If I had not been conscious, I'm sure he would have cut both off.

[George_S]

So say the helmet sellers.

But what if they are right?  Gamble with your lunch money, don't gamble with your brain.

[Arizona Wayne]

But what if they are right?  Gamble with your lunch money, don't gamble with your brain.

So are you saying always wear an open face helmet?   Every time I go down the front of my helmet takes a hit.   Think about, your body is moving forward, suddenly it stops, what part of it is going to hit the ground/object first?     If I go down and my brain is in tact, I don't want a mashed up face left. 

[George_S]

So are you saying always wear an open face helmet?   Every time I go down the front of my helmet takes a hit.   Think about, your body is moving forward, suddenly it stops, what part of it is going to hit the ground/object first?     If I go down and my brain is in tact, I don't want a mashed up face left. 

IDK what you are referencing. My comment about gambling was related to keeping vs. throwing away a helmet after a crash.

[Arizona Wayne]

IDK what you are referencing. My comment about gambling was related to keeping vs. throwing away a helmet after a crash.

Then I misconstrued what you suggested.  But there are some here who think an open face helmet is the best for them.  To them I wanted to give some food for thought.  If I get in a crash I don't automatically toss the helmet and replace it like some apparently do.  If I feel the impact was minimal and the helmet still is safe to use, I will still trust it to protect my noggin.   

[George_S]

Just how many crashes do some of you guys get into? 

[Arizona Wayne]

Just how many crashes do some of you guys get into? 

Not many, but when you ride for over 50 years, they add up a bit.  All of mine have been at slow speeds.