“Utilizing Child Restraint Systems for Infant Transport in Ambulances”

During motor vehicle travel it is a near-universal practice to transport infants in a rear-facing car seat, formally known as a child restraint system (CRS). Car seats are subject to heavy regulations, extensive testing, and are safe, secure, and familiar environments for infants. The use of a CRS reduces fatalities associated with motor vehicle collisions by up to 71%. Current devices on the market for pre-hospital infant transport are harness-based and do not utilize these car seats. Aversion to use of these harnesses occurs for a variety of reasons. The device becomes visually unattractive after remaining in storage for long periods of time between uses. As a result, parents instinctually resist allowing emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to secure their children in these harnesses. Our product will fulfill the need for a universal device that can secure an infant in a rear-facing CRS to an ambulance’s cot. It will work with the brands of stretchers commonly used within the Capital Region and take up minimal space in the passenger compartment of the ambulance.  Additionally, the product will meet federal guidelines associated with CRS use and be intuitive for EMTs to implement correctly. Facilitating the use of the child’s own car seat during transport will allow for the continued utilization of a familiar, safe environment.