Hellcopter Aircrew Helmets and Head Injury: A Protective Effect

Abstract

The effectiveness of the Army's SPH-4 flight helmet in reducing the severity of head injuries sustained during helicopter accidents was evaluated, using the accident data base at the U.S. Army Safety Center (USASC), Fort Rucker, Alabama. Analysis was restricted to severe (Class A) 1972-1988 accidents that were at least partially survivable, using USASC criteria. Occupants who were not wearing a protective helmet were significantly more likely to sustain severe and fatal head injuries than occupants wearing the SPH-4 (RR=3.8 and 6.3, respectively). Unhelmeted non-cockpit occupants faced higher risks (RR=5. 3 and 7.5). All personnel regularly participating in helicopter flight, civilian or military, should be equipped with protective headgear.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1990
Accession Number
ADA372992

Entities

People

  • John S. Crowley

Organizations

  • United States Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accident Investigations
  • Accidents
  • Aircrafts
  • Army Aviation
  • Aviation Accidents
  • Databases
  • Death
  • Flight Helmets
  • Head Injuries
  • Health Services
  • Helicopters
  • Medical Personnel
  • Passengers
  • Risk
  • Rotary Wing Aircraft
  • Safety
  • Wounds And Injuries

Readers

  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Materials Science
  • Military Engineering.