A motorcyclist wearing a full helmet was thrown from his motorcycle after hitting a patch of oil. The bike had been traveling at a high rate of speed. Manual inline spinal stabilization is being held by an off-duty AEMT. The primary assessment reveals the patient to be responsive to painful stimuli and breathing rapidly. His radial pulse is weak and fast. As you quickly scan his body, you note

deformity to the left femur and lower leg. Your immediate action should be to:

A) place a nonrebreather face mask.
B) expose his left lower extremity.
C) apply a cervical collar.
D) remove his helmet.

Answer: D