Knowledge

When we see an ambulance speeding down the road, we usually focus on medical emergencies. But what you don't realize is that ambulance accidents are also very common, with more than 6,500 ambulance accidents occurring each year, resulting in an average of 33 deaths per year. There are many safety measures that have been implemented inside ambulance vehicles, but in addition to that, there are also proactive measures that need to be taken by us.Here are 4 ways to improve ambulance safety

1. Fasten the seat belt sign

• Seat belts are a great way to protect patients and staff. In ambulances, visual indicators are installed in the patient compartment to remind staff and patients that they need to be properly buckled in the ambulance seat. Studies show that first responders who are not wearing seat belts are three times more likely to be seriously injured in a crash.

• Action Steps

-Designed illuminated “fasten all seat belts” signs on seats.

-Provide multiple verbal reminders to staff when vehicles are braking and stopping sharply

-Conduct monthly testing of restraint systems because seat belts can wear down to 40% of their strength over time with frequent use.

• Example: An EMS unit in New Jersey reduced crash-related injuries by 62% after implementing a strict “seat belt first” policy, even during CPR.

2. Eliminate projectiles

• There are many potential projectiles in the back of an ambulance, such as medication bags, heart monitors, and blood pressure monitors, that can roll around in cabinets or stack on counters.

• Quick fixes.

-Use non-slip mats or Velcro straps to secure IV bags and monitors

-Purchase drawers set by locking to store scissors, oxygen tanks and defibrillator pads.

-Use patient harnesses with double straps to prevent body movement.

• Example: In 2022, a user's ambulance in Colorado avoided a facial fracture when it rolled over and the newly installed equipment clips held it securely in place.

3. Maintain proper visibility

• Studies have shown that more than 50 percent of ambulance crashes occur at night or in poorly lit conditions. Therefore, at night, paramedics should wear high-visibility safety undershirts and carry flashlights as the first line of defense for paramedics. When parked in a safe place, you don't need to have your flashers on all the time; when parked in a parking lot, you need to have your hazard lights on to warn other drivers in the lot.

• Visibility Toolkit

- 360° LED Scene Lights have daylight-like brightness to illuminate the entire area.

-Luminous trim on uniforms provides a good warning in low visibility situations.

-Suitable for hands-free headlamps, which allow both hands to be used for other activities while the action is taking place.

• Example: A fire department in Texas installed pulsating rear warning lights on its ambulances and has since reduced collisions by 74 percent during nighttime driving in foggy and rainy weather.

4. Follow Transportation Height Guidelines

• If you make the patient load position too high, there is a greater danger of tipping over and even frightening the patient. If the patient is loaded too low, the vehicle equipment may be at risk of becoming unstable. The transport height should be approximately 50% of the ambulance's usable reach. Incorrect height adjustments can put undue stress on patients and medical staff, and may even lead to accidents.

• Height tips

-Colored tape can be used to mark the optimal stretcher position.

-Use a hydraulic lift to adjust the height of the bed.

-Staff check load stability with a simple “shake test” before moving.

• Example: The Boston EMS team, which used to cause 2-3 injuries per year because of height issues, has eliminated the problem of stretchers tipping over during transport.

Improving ambulance safety doesn't have to be complicated. With these four simple but effective methods, we can make a significant impact on patient and paramedic safety. Let's make safety a priority and ensure that every ambulance ride is as safe as possible. If you want to know more about the ambulance industry, or want to buy professional ambulance seats, you can contact Xiamen Van Seat in time.