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EMS field skills

How to remove a helmet

Other platforms explain it with text and video. In Making Synapses you practice it on the patient.

EMS (NREMT)
Practice it in VR with Blocky

Leave a helmet on unless it blocks airway care or does not hold the head well.

Step by step

  1. Decide

    Remove if you cannot reach the airway, cannot ventilate, the helmet is loose, or cardiac arrest. [1]

  2. Stabilize

    One rescuer holds the helmet and head in line. [1]

  3. Take over

    Second rescuer cuts the strap and holds the jaw and back of the head. [1]

  4. Remove

    First rescuer spreads the sides and tilts to clear the nose, then slides it off. [1]

  5. Pad

    Under the head to keep it in line. [1]

  6. Collar

    Apply and reassess. [1]

Common errors

Practice it in Making Synapses

In Making Synapses you do this on the patient, not on paper: every step goes on the checklist with a score, and in Teach mode Blocky tells you what comes next.

Making Synapses cases that train this skill

Sources

  1. NREMT psychomotor skill sheets (EMT and Paramedic)
  2. National EMS Education Standards (2021)

Facts and steps follow NREMT psychomotor skill sheets (EMT and Paramedic); National EMS Education Standards (2021). Making Synapses is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.