In this scientific poster it is stated that the fire-related function of fire and rescue (F&R) and emergency medical services (EMS) organizations has been decreased in the past decade. However, their role in emergency care has increased. In many F&R organizations there is a new awareness that their focus must change to increase their value to and support from the community. The United States Fire Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) collaborated with the American Academy of Paediatrics to prepare a training curriculum for F&R personnel, "Buckle Up Kids". A pilot training programme for "Buckle Up Kids" was run in early 1995. In 1996, this pilot programme continued in ten sites around the country including areas of Nebraska and North Carolina, and the Eastern region of the Indian Health Service. Another example is the Nebraska Cares Fire and Rescue Project, a train-the-trainer programme for EMS, a model for other states. The "Paediatric Trauma, Immobilization and Transport" course was offered at several community colleges as a part of the regular curriculum. Fire and rescue personnel are motivated and well-positioned in the community to be local technical resources for child restraint users, and to reinforce messages about child occupant protection.
Abstract