REMOVING CLOTHING

REMOVING CLOTHING

Removing shoes

Support the ankle as you carefully remove the shoe. Long boots with no zip may need to be carefullu slit down the back seam with a sharp knife.

Removing Socks

If socks are difficult to pull off, insert two fingers between the sock and the lag. Raise the sock and cut alongside your fingers with scissors.

Removing Trousers

Pull them down from the waist to reveal the thigh, or pull up the trouser leg to expose the calf and knee, If necessary, slit up the seam.

Removing a Coat or Shirt

• Raise the casualty, and pull the garment off his shoulders.

• Bend his arm on the uninjured side, and remove the coat from that side first.

• Then slip the injured arm out of its sleeve, keeping the arm straight if possible,

Try not to cause too much damage.

REMOVING CRASH-HELMETS

A protective helmet, such as a motorcycle crash—helmet, is best left on, and should only be removed if absolutely necessary (for example, if it prevents you form performing artificial ventilation). Any helmet should always, if possible, be removed by the casualty. Do not remove a full-face helmet )that encloses the head and face) unless it obstructs breathing, or the casualty is vomiting, or there are server head injuries. Removal ideally requires two persons, so the the casualty’s head and neck are constantly supported.

FOR AN OPEN—FACE HELMET OR RIDING HAT

Do not remove the helmet unless it is absolutely necessary.

• Unfasten the buckle, or cut through the chinstrap.

• Force the sides of helmet apart to take pressure off the head, then lift the helmet upwards and backwards,

FOR A FULL—FACE HELMET

Do not remove the helmet unless it is absolutely necessary

• Working from the base of the helmet, ease your fingers underneath the rim. Support the neck and hold the lower jaw firmly, with your fingers spread.

• Ask a helper to tilt the helmet (not the head) back, and gently lift it until it is clear of the chin.

• While you continue to support the neck and jaw, your helper should tilt the helmet forwards to pass over the base of the skull, then lift it straight off.