In a patient wearing a loose-fitting helmet that blocks airway management, you may remove the helmet.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only if the helmet is damaged
• D. Only if the patient is conscious

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that airway access takes priority over equipment in place. If a helmet is loose enough to come off and it blocks bag-valve-mask ventilation or airway maneuvers, you may remove it to secure the airway. Do this carefully while maintaining manual stabilization of the head and neck to protect the spine. The decision doesn’t depend on whether the patient is conscious or on damage to the helmet—what matters is whether the helmet prevents securing the airway. If removing the helmet quickly enables effective airway management, it should be done.