SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/454861
MINIMIZING HEAD AND NECK INJURIES According to McConnell, desert racing more than any other form of racing, subjects the body to constant gravitational changes. "Impact absorption can gravely injure the spine, displace organs, cause dizziness and impair brain functions. It is especially hard for a co-driver or passenger, since he is not controlling the motions," says McConnell. "Desert racing might be the hardest form of auto racing on the human body. The long hours of driving at very high speeds in bumpy terrain cause immense fatigue which can affect driving functions. If this happens, there's an increased danger to lose control of the vehicle. For this reason, some racers use HANS devices to reduce the constant pounding of the vehicles over rough terrain." A HANS device is a head and neck restraint with a raised collar and tethers that are attached to the driver's helmet. During an impact, the HANS device limits head and neck movement, assuring that the driver's helmeted head moves with his torso, so vulnerable neck and skull bones aren't overloaded. In desert racing where constant g-forces are placed on the head and neck, McConnell and the rest of the Stand 21 personnel are amazed that so few desert racers are currently using a HANS device. Unfortunately, head and neck injuries are some of the most common that occur from vehicle-to-vehicle crashes and roll-overs. So Stand 21 saw a need to make it simpler to remove the driver's helmet until emergency help reaches the accident scene. This is where they came up with the Lid Lifter Head Sock. "This idea was generated by the need to simplify existing methods, says McConnell. "The Lid Lifter is a simple device that is fire resistant and does not alter driver's comfort." The Lid Lifter Head Sock allows helmet removal without causing additional head or neck injuries. "It's easy to use by anyone, and the instructions are clearly printed on the pull handles in two languages," adds McConnell. "The Lid Lifter offers the opportunity for a passer- by or a co-driver/passenger to perform the helmet's removal on site and without having to wait for medical personnel to arrive. It is a remarkable safety device at a remarkably low cost to all racers." RACERS WHO WEAR PROTECTIVE APAREL HAVE 30% MORE TIME TO ESCAPE A BURNING VEHICLE LID LIFTER TWIN TECHNICAL DATA Stand 21's Lid Lifter is designed to delicately remove a racing helmet from an injured driver and minimize the risk of damage to the cerebral vertebrae. The Lid Lifter can be used by iteslf, or shown here with the Lid Lifter twin that includes a face hood. IMPROVING SAFETY 047 SCORE JOURNAL