Occupant Safety Resources
Emergency Vehicles
Why Restraint Matters in Emergency Vehicles
Emergency vehicles often navigate high-speed situations and unpredictable traffic conditions. Properly restraining all occupants, including children, can reduce the risk of injury and ensure that emergency responders can focus on their critical tasks. Ensuring the safety of all occupants in emergency vehicles—whether they are first responders or patients being transported—is crucial. Proper restraint helps protect against injury during sudden stops or collisions, making it essential to follow guidelines for securing passengers.
Guidelines for Restraining Occupants
- All adult passengers in emergency vehicles must wear seat belts at all times. This applies to both front and rear seats. Emergency vehicles are equipped with seat belts designed for quick use, allowing responders to secure themselves efficiently.
- Adults being treated as patients should also be properly restrained on ambulance cots. While there are no specific federal standards for adult restraint in ambulances, it is vital to use the cot’s integrated straps or restraints to secure the patient during transport. This minimizes movement and reduces the risk of injury during transit.
- Ensure that patients are positioned safely and comfortably on the cot, with restraints applied snugly but not so tight as to impede circulation.
- Ensure that any medical equipment or gear within the vehicle is securely stored to prevent it from becoming a projectile during sudden braking or a collision.
Proper Transport of Children
- Children should always be secured in age-appropriate car seats or booster seats, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Emergency vehicles equipped for pediatric transport should have safety features for restraining young passengers effectively.
- When possible, children should be transported in another vehicle. A car seat or booster seat can never be installed in law enforcement vehicles if a prisoner screen is present, as it does not allow enough space for the forward movement of a child’s head. Additionally, plastic or prisoner vehicle seats commonly found in police vehicles are not compatible with the installation of car seats or booster seats.
- Currently, there are no federal standards in the U.S. for devices used to secure children in ambulances. Agencies are encouraged to develop and follow guidelines for the safe transport of children.
- Caregivers should not hold children on an ambulance cot, as this poses significant risks. Emergency vehicles may have side-facing or rear-facing vehicle seats, and there are no standards for crash testing a car seat or booster seat in these positions. Therefore, a car seat or booster seat should not be used in side-facing or rear-facing seating positions.
- Some captain’s chairs may have integrated car seats, which can be used according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- When possible, non-patient children in emergency situations should be transported in another vehicle.
Additional Considerations
Training for First Responders
- Emergency responders should receive training on the importance of occupant restraint, including best practices for securing children and special populations during transport.
Emergency Situations
- In urgent situations, safety procedures should still be followed as much as possible. Taking a moment to secure all occupants properly can prevent serious injuries.
Additional Resources
Properly restraining occupants in emergency vehicles is a vital aspect of ensuring safety for both responders and patients. By adhering to guidelines for seat belts and child restraints, we can help protect those who serve our communities and those in their care. Always prioritize occupant safety, even in emergency situations, to minimize risks and enhance the effectiveness of emergency services.
- National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMO): For more detailed information, refer to the NASEMSO document: Safe Transport of Children by EMS: Interim Guidance.
Disclaimer:
The information and materials found on this website are intended for reference and education. To ensure all passengers are using vehicle restraint systems correctly, please consult with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, as well as your vehicle’s owner’s manual and your child restraint owner’s manual.