Child Passenger Safety Week
September 21-27 is National Child Passenger Safety Week. EMS educators can play several important roles in the recognition and promotion of child passenger safety.
First, make sure your EMS transporting agency has a clear and accessible policy regarding restraint of infants, toddlers, and children that are being transported by ambulance. A short rapid e-learning program could review the policy, demonstrate restraint methods and available equipment, and discuss the importance of accountability through documentation. Check out this white paper on pediatric transport techniques.
Second, participate in community education / injury prevention programs that promote car seat use. EMTs can become trained as child passenger seat technicians. Allowing them to teach proper seat installation and child securing techniques to new parents. During open houses invite your local child passenger seat organization to set-up a booth, demonstrate restraint methods, and to check seats in visitors vehicles. As a parent I am always reassured when a trained technician confirms our seat installation and advises us on the best restraint methods as my kids grow. I like to have this done every six months.
For more information visit the NHTSA Child Passenger Safety Program
Tags: Injury Prevention, NHTSA, Pediatric, Safety