Helmet use: what message are we sending to patients?
BACKGROUND
Multiple studies have demonstrated that the use of helmets by helicopter personnel saves lives and reduces morbidity. However, papers continue to cite potential adverse reaction from patients and the public as a justification for air medical personnel not wearing the helmets.


OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to determine how patients transported by helicopter react to helmets worn by air medical personnel.


METHODS
Fifty-one adult patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15 were surveyed regarding their reaction to helmet use by air medical personnel.


RESULTS
While the respondents had various concerns about the aircraft and flying, none had a negative reaction to the helmet use.


CONCLUSIONS
Helmet use does not have a negative effect on patients, and such a putative effect should not be used to justify the avoidance of by air medical personnel.
Saint Alphonusus Regional Medical Center, Boise, ID.
T
T
Ryan
B L
BL
Studebaker
G D
GD
Brennan
D017732:Air Ambulances; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003625:Data Collection; D004634:Emergency Medical Technicians; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D006260:Head Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007061:Idaho; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations