Former speedway champion Martin Dugard has endorsed a revolutionary new chemical brain-cooling motorcycle helmet, saying it will save lives both on road and track. The patented ThermaHelm helmet combines a simple idea with cutting edge technology and has been praised by the Government’s UK Trade and Investment Division.

Product developers Jullian Powers and Riccardo Anzil of ThermaHelm Limited created ThermaHelm at the cutting-edge Sussex Innovation Centre. They now have several meetings with major helmet manufactures and distributors from across the world planned for early in 2010 at which they hope to sign the first contracts to both license the technology and produce the helmet for mass distribution.

Speedway star Dugard is the latest expert within the biking sector to praise the concept, which aims to avoid the potentially fatal effects of Traumatic Brain Injury in the event of a motorcycle accident.

The ThermaHelm helmet performs like an instant ice pack when activated by sudden impact (for example in a crash). The helmet is lined with two packs filled with non-toxic chemicals which merge on impact, initiating a cooling effect that extends vital neurological protection during the critical Golden Hour prior to hospital arrival.

This endothermic (cold) reaction is immediate and absorbs heat from the head gradually whilst reducing swelling of the bruised brain tissue. The cooling process lasts approximately 30-45 minutes and maintains normothermic (stable) brain temperatures of 37C/96Fduring this time.

Stabilisation of the brain’s temperature in this way means that the accident victim is much more likely to avoid Traumatic Brain Injury and so increases chances of survival as blood can transport oxygen to critical parts of a non-swollen brain as opposed to an inflamed one.

Martin Dugard, winner of the British Speedway Grand Prix in 2000 and former Eastbourne Eagles captain, said: “ThermaHelm is quite simply revolutionary for all aspects of motorcycling – it’s fantastic. The helmet could be used both domestically and professionally and can save lives everywhere. “It’s such a simple idea but they say that simple ideas are the best. It only has to save one life and it will have done its job.”

 Another benefit of the helmet is that it enables the head to remain cool without needing to take off the crash helmet, which could aggravate any spinal or neck injuries sustained in an accident.

Jullian Powers welcomed Dugard’s endorsement. “We have every confidence in ThermaHelm as a life saving product, and to hear a similar view from Martin, who is so experienced in the highest level of motorsport, is hugely encouraging. “We are very excited to have secured several meetings with a number of high profile helmet manufacturers in Q1 & Q2 of 2010 and hope ThermaHelm will soon be available to every rider, either when purchasing a new helmet or as an after-market addition to their existing helmet.”

Derek Goodwin, Head of the Global Entrepreneurs Programme at UK Trade & Investment saw the potential of the invention years ago. He said: “We are very impressed with the approach taken by Jullian Powers in developing his new brain cooling technology. We look forward to helping ThermaHelm reach global markets with their innovation and becoming a worldwide life saving advancement.”