Removal Techniques:
During practice sessions SMC has uncovered many techniques and subtleties that can make a big difference in efficient face mask removal. We share some
of our secrets in this presentation.

ByMichael Cendoma, MS, ATCPresident, Sports Medicine Concepts, Inc.

• The screwdriver is an acceptable tool for FM removal. However,
  there is a significant hardware failure rate.
  
  
• Therefore, An appropriate cutting tool such as the FMxtractor® must
  be immediately available.

Decoster LC, Shirley CP, Swartz EE. Football face-mask removal with a cordless
screwdriver on helmets used for at least one season of play. J Athl Train. 2005;40(3):169-173.

• Be sure both the blade and buttress remain in contact
  with the helmet shell while cutting the fastener.

• Successful cut will completely transect the entire loop strap.

• This technique results in two additional cuts, relative to the previous
  technique, but requires less grip strength.
  
  
• Make cuts above and below the face mask bar simply by repositioning
  the cutting blade while leaving the buttress on the face mask bar.

• Successful cuts using this technique will result in removal of a piece
  of the fastener sufficient to allow the face mask bar to pass.
  
  
• One may also be able to rotate the cut portion of the fastener still
  fixed by the screw for more clearance.
  

• This technique requires that the loop strap be centrally positioned
  within a face mask that permits sufficient clearance to allow both
  the blade and buttress to be positioned within the face mask bars.
  

• This technique is very common as it allows the cutting to tool to grip
  the bottom face mask bar for increased mechanical advantage over
  the fastener.
  
  
• This technique results in a single cut to transect the fastener at its
  mid-section.
  

• Technique C results in two additional cuts per side, but also requires
  less grip strength.

• Both the inner and outer loops are relatively pliable and can easily
  be bent back out of the way after making a single cut through only
  the top portion of both inner and outer loops.

• The Stabilizer is by far the most challenging fastener in use today.
  It has two loops and is made of very thick plastic.

• Always begin by cutting the smaller more pliable loop first as it is
  easier to cut when under tension.
  
  
• Next, cut the thicker loop strap at the valley where there is less plastic.

• Successful use of this technique will result in sufficient clearance
  for the face mask bars.

• The Fore Access Slot on the Revolution fastener is milled at 12-15 degrees so emergency personnel must ensure that the blade of the
  FMx is inserted at the proper angle to ensure a clean cut. Four cuts
  are required on this fastener.
  
  
• It is important to cut the fore access slots BEFORE cutting the aft.
  
  
• The Aft Access Slot on the Revolution fastener is milled perpendicular
  to the ground so the FMx blade will also go into the access slot perpendicular.
  
  
• Make sure blade contact with the helmet shell is maintained at all
  times when making all cuts.

• When both the fore and aft access slots are completely cut in the
  proper order the ends of the fastener will fall away from the center, leaving ample clearance for the face mask bars.

• Depressing button releases the mechanism that holds the face mask
  to the helmet.
  
  
• Still required to cut two top forehead fasteners which are loop straps.

• Depressed areas on wither side of the QR hardware will allow
  for access of the FMx blade.

• Removing the Ion face mask requires:
      - Cutting top retainer on either side of the face mask bar
      - Cutting the chin strap
      - Roll face mask foreword out of Energy Wedges
  

• Uses loop strap fastener that is a bit thicker and harder to cut
  than traditional loop straps.
  
  
• Persons with weaker grip strength may find better success with techniques using two smaller cuts, one on either side of the face
  mask bar as described previous.

• DNA face masks are held to the helmet using traditional loop strap fasteners, but sports health care professionals must always remember that athletes may retrofit any helmet with other fasteners.