The purpose of the study described in this scientific poster was to examine the crashworthiness of the ambulance environment during transport of infants and children. Two dynamic crash tests were conducted which replicated ambulance environments for children. Both tests simulated 30 mph frontal impact crashes with 20 G forces. For the first test, a low birth weight dummy was secured in an Air-Shields T1100 transport incubator with Velcro strapping and a partially inflated model air-bubble restraint system. For the second test, a three year old dummy was secured in a Fisher Price convertible child restraint secured rear-facing and uptight on a Femo-Washington 30 cot. As a result of the tests, it was recommended that the incubator stand and the cot be anchored to the ambulance floor at a minimum of four points, and that the anchors be fastened around the incubator stand and the cot in a direction preventing the operation of their quick release mechanisms during impact or rebound.
Abstract