Where there are motorcycles, there eventualy will be accidents. One of the toughest things for medical personnel in those situations is how to easily remove the biker’s helmet without causing more trauma.

A new design concept called the Splinter Motorcycle Helmet has been created by a student at Bournemouth University in the UK. This innovative helmet – which won the 2010 Santander Design Grand Slam – was designed by student James Hooker to disassemble via side clips that unlock the interior, allowing the helmet to slide apart.

 

It takes two paramedics around ten minutes to safely remove a standard helmet. The Splinter helmet has bright red clips that are clearly marked with the words “emergency release” to assist medical personnel to swiftly and safely remove an injured biker’s head gear, saving precious minutes during what could be a life or death situation. Hooker also plans to include the worldwide paramedic symbol to indicate to paramedics in different countries that a mechanism is installed.

It may be several years before this life saving helmet reaches the market, but it’s encouraging to know that it’s in the works.