Taking toddlers to the hospital by ambulance doesn’t happen as often as it does with older adults. Due to this, it may be tough to say or understand what can happen during a child’s medical transport. One major cause is that there is not the right information or data about how children should be safely transported in emergencies.
There are not any proper rules for how to move a critical or sick child safely by ambulance to hospital. But, medical staff rely on their experience and practice to make the right decision. Their experience in medicine is very meaningful in handling these serious conditions.
Transferring children by ambulance is difficult from transporting old persons. But sadly, only a few emergency medical service experts have the right skills in handling young patients during both emergency and non-emergency trips.
Some changes are required to be made in the ambulance when it comes to carrying a child. For instance, the bed, seat belts and medical tools must be small according to the childrens. Children can be injured, sick or just hospital care is required, so the ambulance should be ready for all kinds of health issues.
8 Essential Tips
to follow while a child or newborn baby is being taken to the hospital in an ambulance-
Use Child Restraints
Ambulances are very fast and may take sudden turns. To keep the child safe, use child restraints to hold them in place properly.
Don’t Carry the Child in Your Arms
It is not a good idea to hold a baby or child in your lap during travel. If the ambulance stops suddenly, both the child and the adult can get hurt.
Have Special Equipment Onboard
An advanced ambulance for children should have a separate stretcher, backup power for machines and special equipment for figuring out children’s important signs. It should also have gear for giving first-aid to children who are feeling very cold (hypothermia care).
Secure the Monitors and Equipment
All machines and medical devices must be safely strapped in, especially when used for small children.
Avoid Unrestrained Passengers
If a parent or guardian is riding along, they also need to wear a seatbelt. Their seating position should not block the medical team from helping the child.
Use Adjustable Restraints
The seat restraints must be able to adjust to fit kids of all ages. Make sure by double-checking that the belts are tight and working properly.
Make Sure the Equipment Fits Kids
Not all medical equipment used for adults is right for kids. There must be child-sized oxygen masks, needles, tubes and ventilators onboard to meet children’s requirements.
Skilled Pediatric Medical Staff
It has become crucial that the ambulance has a staff with skills in treating children. Children do not have the same health needs as adults and trained staff know how to tackle those differences.
Transporting children by ambulance is not easy
Only those ambulance services that have special training and experience in moving newborns and children can do it safely. Children need a different type of care and the experience and knowledge of the medical team on board play a big role in keeping them safe during transport.
Also Read: Ambulance Services in Panchkula