10 questions about football-helmet and face-mask removal: A review of the recent literature

The Inter-Association Task Force for Appropriate Care of the Spine-Injured Athlete has identified the appropriate prehospital emergency procedures to be used with athletes suspected of having spine injuries. Spine injuries must be treated promptly and correctly to avoid secondary injury. It is important to base our clinical decisions on the scientific research that has been reported or when no research exists, on the consensus expert opinion. All providers of prehospital care must be practiced and proficient with the equipment and procedures that are to be used in these situations.