SAFE TRANSPORT IN AN AMBULANCE
The most recent guidelines that address pediatric transport in ambulances were released in March 2017 by NASEMSO. The NASEMSO “Safe Transport of Children by EMS: Interim Guidance” (2017) advocates for the development of evidence-based standards for transporting children. Safe ambulance transport should be considered as a standard of care for the EMS system equivalent to maintaining an open airway, adequate ventilation, and the maintenance of cardiovascular circulation. To access NASEMSO's “Safe Transport of Children by EMS: Interim Guidance” report, click here.
Please note there are no federal or industry consensus standards in the United States for devices used to secure children in ambulances. Each manufacturer determines if and how their own device will be tested. Prospective purchasers should contact the manufacturer for if and how their device(s) were crash-tested. For the full list, click here.
It is recommended to ensure agencies are equipped with the necessary products to care for pediatrics is each of the 5 scenarios:
For a sample Pediatric Transport Guidelines - Standard Operating Policy and Procedures, please click here.
- uninjured/not ill,
- ill/injured, but requiring no intensive interventions or monitoring,
- requiring intensive interventions or monitoring,
- requiring spinal immobilization or supine transport, and
- multiple patients.
For a sample Pediatric Transport Guidelines - Standard Operating Policy and Procedures, please click here.
Additional Resources:
- Safe Transportation of Children in Ground Ambulances
- NASEMSO: Safe Transport of Children by EMS: Interim Guidance
- Pediatric Transport Products for Ground Ambulances: Version 2.2, October 2020
- NHTSA: Working Group Best-Practice Recommendations for the Safe Transportation of Children in Emergency Ground Ambulances
- NASEMSO Committee: Safe Transport of Children