1. Copyright © 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Field Strategy: Removal of Protective Equipment Chapter 5

2. Copyright © 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Face Mask Removal ATC #1 –maintains in-line stabilization of head & neck during entire procedure ATC#2 –cuts the four plastic clips on the face mask and completely remove the mask away from the facial region –This exposes the –nose & mouth for artificial ventilation.

3. Copyright © 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Helmet Removal ATC #1 –maintain in-line stabilization by applying an in- traction force through chin & occiput in a cephalad direction ATC#2 –cut the chin strap –remove cheek pad slide a flat object between helmet & cheek pad. twist the object to unsnap and separate the cheek pad from the helmet repeat on the other side remove both cheek pads if an air cell-padding system is present, deflate the system by releasing the air at the external port

4. Copyright © 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Helmet Removal (Cont’d) –slide the helmet off the occiput with slight forward rotation of the helmet –If helmet does not move, apply slight traction to the helmet and apply a gentle anterior and posterior maneuver -- the head/neck unit must not be allowed to move

5. Copyright © 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Shoulder Pad Removal cut –the jersey neck to the waist midline to the end of each sleeve. –all straps used to secure the pads to torso and arms; attempts to unbuckle the straps may cause unnecessary movement. –laces over the sternum cut and/or remove any accessory (e.g., neck roll or collar)

6. Copyright © 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Shoulder Pad Removal (cont’d) ATC#1 –maintains cervical stabilization in a cephalad direction by placing their forearms on the patient’s chest while holding the chin and occiput. Assistants on either side of the patient –place hands directly under the thoracic region of the back –ddditional support is placed down the body as deemed appropriate based on the size of the patient. while patient is lifted, the individual in charge of head/shoulder stabilization –removes helmet –immediately removes shoulder pads by spreading front panels and pulling them around the head.

7. Copyright © 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Adapted from Kleiner DM, Almquist JL, Bailes J, et al. Prehospital Care of the Spine-Injured Athlete: A Document from the Inter-Association Task Force for Appropriate Care of the Spine-Injured Athlete. Dallas, TX: Inter-Association Task Force for Appropriate Care of the Spine-Inured Athlete; 2001.