Ontario Paramedic Practice Exam

When is it appropriate to remove a helmet from an injured patient?

1. When the helmet design is faulty

2. Only if it interferes with CPR or maintaining airway

3. Whenever the patient requests it

4. When the patient is unconscious

The correct answer is: Only if it interferes with CPR or maintaining airway

The appropriate time to remove a helmet from an injured patient is when it interferes with CPR or maintaining the airway. This is crucial because airway management is a top priority in emergency care, particularly when dealing with trauma cases. If the helmet is obstructing access to the patient's airway or making it difficult to perform life-saving procedures like CPR, it becomes necessary to remove it to ensure the patient can receive adequate ventilation and oxygenation. The design of the helmet is generally not a reason for removal unless it specifically poses a safety risk, which is not the usual protocol. Similarly, patient requests alone do not dictate removal; patient consent should be balanced against their safety and medical needs. Lastly, unconsciousness does not automatically necessitate helmet removal, as the potential for spinal injury must also be considered, and careful assessment is required before making that decision. Thus, the focus remains on interventions necessary for life support when determining whether a helmet should be removed.