I wonder why EMS allows "parents to hold infants" ? We preach about the safety and mechanical effect that "no one could safely hold a child during an impact" and then we allow it ? Does the service not realize the liability ?
Just because it has AMBULANCE on the side does not remove the dangers.
Sorry, this is a burr for me. Eleven years ago, I did a study of "Use of car seats in emergency services" and found out most states exempted Police, Fire Departments, and yes even EMS from having children protected. What hypocrisy !
There is no reason for EMS not to have some form of child carrier device .... period. I don't care if the kid is screaming or fighting..I strap them down and place them where they are safe... they are my responsibility and liability. If injury should occur, it is going to go against me.. I much rather deal with a little tears and screams .. smiling an knowing they will be okay. Personally, I much rather hear the screams than the deafness of those unrestrained ones that had been tossed and projected around..
C'mon folks.. we strap and secure our adult patients for a reason... the same should be true for children.
R/r 911