RE: [Paddlewise] Rescue Helmets

Thanks.  My dilemma has been that I haven't been able to offer a better
explanation other than "That's what I was told in all of the rescue courses
I took" or "That's what I've read."  When they ask me, I want to be able to
say why they shouldn't (or won't be allowed to on the team) use other
helmets.  

Donna


> -----Original Message-----
> From:	pid_at_mec.ca [SMTP:pid_at_mec.ca]
> Sent:	Monday, January 25, 1999 3:03 PM
> To:	Donna Ferron
> Cc:	paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
> Subject:	Re: [Paddlewise] Rescue Helmets
> 
> At 02:32 PM 1/25/99 -0500, you wrote:
> >Can rappelling helmets be used and provide the same amount of protection
> as
> >whitewater helmets? My rescue team wants to use various types of helmets
> and
> >I had an answer for those who wanted to use bike helmets.  I'm unfamiliar
> >with the construction of rappelling helmets, however.  Thanks very much!
> >
> >Donna
> 
> Hi Donna,
> I have far more experience paddling than climbing, but it seems to me you
> should use a helmet designed for the particular activity. Climbing helmets
> are often engineered contemplating a heavy impact from above (dislodged
> rock), while the impacts to a paddler may come from other directions. The
> other thing you need to consider is whether the helmet has enough slots to
> allow water to "vent" in the event of an impact, thus dissipating the
> transmission of shock via the water. This is a particular concern for your
> eardrums, which could be broken if you were wearing, say a motorcycle
> helmet and hit a rock while upside down in water. Air and water behave
> quite differently under sudden pressure.
> Philip T.
> N49°16' W123°08' 
> "The opinions expressed in this posting are not necessarily those of my
> employer, or indeed, of any sentient being."
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