Abstract: A protective helmet, such as a firefighter's helmet includes a fire resistant, impact resistant shell configured to be received upon the user's head; a fire resistant, impact resistant, full brim extending outwardly from the shell around the circumference of the shell; a pair chinstrap retainers coupled to the shell on opposed sides of the protective helmet; and a fire resistant safety chinstrap coupled to the chinstrap retainers and configures to allow the shell and brim to pivot relative to the chinstrap about an axis extending through the chinstrap retainers, and including an elastic member that partially absorbs and dissipates impact forces to headgear that extend across the axis through the chinstrap retainers to minimize head and neck area bodily injury to the user. The safety chinstrap may be easily attached, released, stored and transported and retrofitted to existing helmets.