Crash protection for children in ambulances

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medical Services
• Pediatric Safety
• Crashworthiness Engineering

Background:

• Effective restraint of children during ambulance transport is a critical safety concern.
• Existing methods for securing pediatric patients on ambulance cots have shown variability in performance.
• Standardized procedures are needed for emergency medical service (EMS) providers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the most effective and reliable methods for restraining children on ambulance cots.
• To develop recommended field procedures for EMS personnel.
• To enhance pediatric patient safety during emergency medical transport.

Main Methods:

• Conducted crash tests at 48 km/h using various child restraint systems (convertible restraints, car beds, harness systems).
• Utilized infant, 3-year, and 6-year size dummies for testing.
• Varied belt configurations and backrest positions to evaluate restraint performance.

Main Results:

• A new cot and fastener system demonstrated significantly improved restraint performance compared to older systems.
• A two-belt attachment with an elevated cot backrest exhibited the least performance variability for both convertible child restraints and car beds.
• None of the tested harness configurations were satisfactory, though potential for improvement exists.

Conclusions:

• Children weighing up to 18 kg, fitting in a convertible child restraint, and tolerating a semi-upright position can be safely restrained using a two-belt system on an elevated ambulance cot.
• Infants requiring a flat lying position can be secured in a modified car bed with two seatbelt paths, attached to an elevated cot.
• All systems require crashworthy cots and anchor systems; harness systems need further development based on established restraint principles.