Traumatic Brain Injury and Operation Helmet- part 3

Why pick on a non-profit? They are doing nice things for good people.   Yep, except that they are sending helmet pads off to soldiers in combat that don't meet the current standards for helmet pads.  The approved pads cost less than the ones they send and they also work better.   Other than that, its a great concept. 

Here's the thing.  The stuff Operation Helmet sends is basically like memory foam.  Once it is compressed, it stays compressed and only very slowly returns to its original shape once the pressure is removed.  That makes it comfy.  It also compromises the effectiveness.   Here's why.

The current helmets used by soldiers are sized to allow for a little over one-half of an inch of space between the soldier's skull and the helmet itself.  The pad fills that space and needs to be able to absorb the impact energy and stop the helmet from contacting the skull.   If the pad needs a 1/2 inch to compress and absorb energy, then compressing the pad partially actually decreases the effective thickness of the pad.  If the pad is partially compressed, then you have less of the pad actually absorbing energy.   

The other issue with the pads Operation Helmet currently sends is that they become too soft at high temperatures and too firm at low temperatures. To soft means the pad compresses too much during normal wear.   Too hard means the pad acts more like a solid and transmits energy directly to the skull.  By the way, the high and low temperatures in the standard are similar to the ambient temperatures where the soldiers are currently wearing helmets. 

Lastly, the soldiers have access to the approved pads through the military supply chain.  The Army, Marines and National Guard all require pads in helmets now.   If a soldier needs a pad system, he or she can get an approved pad from their supply sergeant.   If you feel the need to donate to soldiers, make sure they are getting the best product from you.  Read the links and understand the issue yourself.  

My advice to Operation Helmet - use the donations to promote the use of the most effective helmet pads rather than just the flavor of the month.  The technology continues to evolve.  Stay flexible and stay on top of the technology curve.  Care enough to send them the best.  Since they can get the best through the army already, send them something else they can use or put the money into R+D for better technology, or baby wipes, or peace.....