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If there are no signs of life and help has been requested, the next most important step will to begin chest compressions. In order to do this effectively, it will require removal of the shoulder pads. This should be done in a rapid fashion to separate the middle section of the shoulder pads to allow them to be separated and then gain access to the central chest. This will then allow for standard technique chest compressions to occur. Chest compressions will be done by placing the heel of the hand on the lower part of the chest bone and keeping the arm straight with the shoulders over the hands, depressing it 100 to 120 beats per minute.
Once chest compressions can be delegated to another member of the team, access and clearing the airway will be the next most important aspect to their emergency care. This can be done by rapid removal of the face cage using the quick-release mechanism. In this case, from all four clips, loosening the top will allow the face cage to be opened up and then to access the airway. As part of the first aid equipment for American football, a screwdriver to be able to deal with helmet emergencies is a very vital part of the toolbox. Once the face cage has been removed, additional access can be achieved by releasing the chin strap mechanisms and again, further access to be able to open the airway is then achieved.
