Helmet Safety

Written by Calgary EMS

Bicycle crashes are the leading cause of brain injury to school aged children. Every year Calgary paramedics respond to medical emergencies where helmets have prevented a serious injury or saved a life. While this is encouraging, there are still a significant number of people that do not wear a helmet. Helmet safety for cyclists has received a great deal of attention and a Provincial law now requires anyone under 18 years of age to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. However, a helmet should also be worn when using a skateboard, in-line skates or a scooter.

The majority of bicycle injuries do not involve motor vehicles. Most often, they occur when a cyclist falls, strikes a stationary object like a pole or collides with a pedestrian or another cyclist.

Where to Start:

- cyclists that choose their own helmet are more likely to wear them; allow children to assist choosing their helmet
- start wearing a helmet early and make it a habit, even if young children are learning on a tricycle
- one simple rule: no helmet, no bike; make the rule for children and stick to it
- lead by example for others – always wear your own helmet

Make Sure the Helmet Fits:
- the helmet should be level on the head, snug but not tight
- use sizing pads for a comfortable fit
- adjust the straps to form a “Y” below and slightly forward from the ears
- only one finger should fit under the chin strap

A brain injury is not like a broken bone - it doesn’t fully heal. Brain injury can lead to death or permanent disability. The cost of a helmet is easily justified by research that shows wearing one can reduce the risk of brain injury by 85%.

Calgary paramedics are doing their part. For 8 years paramedics have been giving away free helmets to children in an effort to reduce the number of preventable head injuries seen every year in Calgary. This spring, the Calgary Paramedics Charity Society, the EMS Foundation and the Dinner Optimists Club once again partnered to distribute over 500 helmets to less fortunate children. Paramedics visited schools, spoke to the children about brain injuries and helmet safety, then fitted them with a free helmet.

Helmets should be replaced every 5 years even if it hasn’t been in a crash. UV rays can weaken the helmet. And REMEMBER: a helmet that has been in a crash must be replaced, even if it doesn’t look damaged.

Additional Safety Tips:

- Wear a properly fitting helmet when riding, in-line skating, skateboarding or riding a scooter - get in the helmet habit
- Wear wrist guards, knee and elbow pads when appropriate
- Know the riding rules, take a bicycle safety course
- Obey all the traffic rules
- Make sure your bicycle is in good condition and has reflectors
- Wear clothing to be seen, it should be bright and reflective

 

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