Preventing Head Injuries Promoting Helmet Use

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Preventing Head Injuries/Promoting Helmet Use
WHAM
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WHAM

• What risks are observed on scene?
• How can we keep from coming back?
• Action to take to prevent future injuries
• Materials to leave behind

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Helmets

• A properly fit helmet reduces the risk of injury
  by 85
• Most Pierce County residents are required by law
  to wear a helmet while biking
• Head injuries cause the majority of bicycle-motor
  vehicle collision deaths
• Helmets are not only recommended for cycling, but
  for skateboarding, scootering, and in-line
  skating

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What risks are observed on scene?

• Your 9 year old patient fell off of his bike in
  front of your station. He has skinned his knees
  and needs a band aid. You notice his helmet is
  too big and may have caused him to crash.

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How can we keep from coming back?
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Action to taketo prevent further injuries

• Utilize WHAM folder from rig
• Ensure a proper fitting bike helmet by making
  adjustments or providing a new helmet (if
  available)
• Do the helmet fit test

• Does the helmet fit snug around the head?
• Is it positioned low on their forehead above the
  eyebrow?
• Do the straps form a v under the ears?
• Is the chin strap snug and buckled securely?

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Materials to leave behind

• If you provide a custom-fit helmet, give out the
  Mary Bridge About Your New Helmet brochure
• If your department does not provide helmets, or
  you are out in the field, give out Consumer
  Product Safety Which Helmet For Which Activity
  brochure with sticker listing where helmets are
  available.

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Further info on Helmets

• Call 253-403-7911 to order a copy of How to Fit
  a Helmet video
• Links
• Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute
• www.bhsi.org

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WHAM developed by Central Pierce Fire
RescueCity of DuPont Fire DepartmentGig Harbor
Fire Medic OneSafe Kids Pierce
CountyTacoma-Pierce County Health Dept.
With funding fromWest Region EMS Trauma Care
Council