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Document ID (ISN)57362
CIS number 92-309
ISSN - Serial title 0096-1736 - Journal of Occupational Medicine
Year 1991
Convention or series no.
Author(s) Crowley J.S.
Title Should helicopter frequent flyers wear head protection? A study of helmet effectiveness
Bibliographic information July 1991, Vol.33, No.7, p.766-769. Illus. 21 ref.
Abstract Flight helmets have been recommended as aircrew head protection since 1908, yet debate continues regarding their effectiveness. Estimates of helmet use in civilian helicopter aeromedical programmes range from 6.5% to 13%. The effectiveness of the US Army's SPH-4 flight helmet in reducing severe head injuries sustained during helicopter accidents was evaluated using the accident data base at the US Army Safety Center, Fort Rucker, Alabama. Analysis was restricted to severe (Class A) accidents that were at least partially survivable, using US Army Center criteria. Occupants not wearing a protective helmet were significantly more likely to sustain severe and fatal head injuries than were occupants wearing the SPH-4 (RR=3.8 and 6.3, respectively; p<.01). Unhelmeted noncockpit occupants were at higher risk of head injuries (RR=5.3 and 7.5; p<.01). All personnel regularly participating in helicopter flight, civilian or military, should be equipped with protective headgear.
Descriptors (primary) helicopters; accident research; head injuries; head protection; safety helmets; air transport
Descriptors (secondary) computerized data bases; statistical evaluation
Document type D - Periodical articles
Country / State or ProvinceUSA
Subject(s) Personal protection
Broad subject area(s) Mechanical hazards, transport
Browse category(ies) Head protection
Air transportation
Accident research