Hats Off™
Emergency Helmet Removal System

Copyright © 2007 by Larry Mason

Nomex® fabrics, the six-point harness, and the HANS® device are great safety features to help protect drivers in auto racing. However, there’s a new safety device known as the Hats Off™ emergency helmet removal system that is revolutionizing driver (and motorcycle rider) safety. For years, helmet technology has improved; yet, removal of the helmet can often lead to more damage than the original accident, especially with the tighter fitting helmets that drivers and riders wear today. With all the extra face padding, these helmets can be difficult to put on and remove even when you’re healthy! That’s where the Hats Off device comes in.

John Deagan invented the Hats Off device in 1985 after a bad motorcycle accident on the street. Deagan recalled, “I had broken my neck and when the paramedics started to pull my helmet off, it felt like they were going to take my head with it!” Those seven and a half seconds of brutal agony gave Deagan the inspiration to find a better way, and thus the idea for Hats Off came about.

How does it work? Deagan explains, “The device consists of a small, tightly folded plastic bladder [see photo 1] that sits inside the top of a helmet [see photo 2]. A tube then feeds under the padding and fastens to the bottom of the inside of the helmet rim. The end of the tube is fitted with a quick release screw fitting which, when removed, allows a rescuer to attach an inflation source - such as the inflator bulb found on a common blood pressure testing kit. In the event of an accident where the helmet must be removed, the rescuer simply inflates the bladder and the helmet smoothly glides off the head.”

The plastic bladder folds up quite flat (about 3 mm), so the wearer doesn’t even know that it’s there. There’s absolutely no difference in feel when wearing your helmet other than feeling assured that you’ve taken every step you can to help protect yourself in the event of an accident.

Deagan got involved with motorsports about seven years ago. Al Unser Jr. was the first to use it, and soon other drivers followed. It’s currently required in the Indy Racing League and Champ Car. Most motocross riders use it as well. In fact Deagan conveyed a story to me about how one motocross rider had his Hats Off device installed only one week before a terrible crash that broke his neck. The doctors told his parents that it probably saved his life. That story came to Deagan from a very grateful mother. Receiving letters like that just make Deagan’s day.

Dr. Henry Bock (former medical director of the IRL) had this to say, “When we saw it the first time, the thing that came to our mind is that it’s very simple. Any time we implement something new, the thing we look for is can it cause any harm? If you look at an incapacitated driver, the question becomes, ‘How can we get to the airway the quickest?’ The best way is to get the helmet off, and consequently the longest time in getting the helmet off, is to remove the helmet chin straps and then actually lifting the helmet off. We implemented this after practicing quite a bit. It’s really easy to use. We’ve never had one fail. On track I’d say we’ve probably used it less than ten times. The only thing you need to watch out for is to just look out for the nose.” Deagan points out that “Just as in a normal extrication, you need to retain control of the cervical spine, support the head, and to make sure you clear the nose. There is really nothing new here except that the helmet is not pulled off. All the other rules of helmet removal remain the same.”

I had my Hats Off device installed by Steve Thomas of Bell Racing and it gives me that extra bit of confidence and comfort knowing that I haven’t overlooked a safety item that could extend my racing career, and more importantly – my life!

I would certainly urge all drivers and riders to install this device in their helmets. The helmet kit costs $48 and the rescuer’s kit starts at under $25. If you’d like more information on the Hats Off device, you can visit the website at www.hatsoff.info. On that website, you can watch an animated simulation of the Hats Off device lifting the helmet off, read testimonials, and gain a further understanding of the benefits. My hat’s off to you John Deagan.