You want to take a charge from LeBron James coming down the lane with no helmet on that’s dangerous. But you know what? Some people like to do that stuff. So leave them alone. 

Jon Gruden 

You can wear one or not. Although the jury is in. Helmets help reduce the effect of low impact direct hits and of those from glancing blows. Thus helping reduce the occurrence of a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The CDC defines a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a disruption in the normal function of the brain that can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or penetrating head injury.

I have witnessed numerous TBI’s. Anecdotally, I have concluded the following:

1. Helmets don’t always work
2. Helmets work in inexplicable ways
3. Helmets have saved the lives of people I have rescued
4. Helmets have been worthless in the survival of people I have rescued
5. I have never rescued anyone in a major event who didn’t want their hemet on

It’s your choice to wear a helmet…it’s also your choice to get the appropriate medical training to care for a head injury. Major head injuries often result in a combination of wounds involving soft tissue, possible skull fracture and breathing problems associated with swelling of the brain.

What skills do you need?

1. Airway Management and Rescue Breathing Techniques
2. Bleeding Control Management 
3. Cervical Spine Management Techniques

Check the link in my bio for more details regarding Airway Management. 

Do you have the proper skills and training to provide these treatments? Do your partners?