Child Passenger Safety WHAM

W hat risks are observed on scene? H ow can we keep from coming back? A ction to take to prevent future injuries M aterials to leave behind WHAM

Child Passenger Safety  Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in Washington State and in the US for ages  Most people who die in car crashes are unrestrained  A properly selected and installed car seat or booster offers the best protection until a child is big enough for safety belts

Washington State Law  Children under age 8 or less than 4’9” tall are required to be in an appropriate child restraint system, according to the car seat and vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.  Children under 13 shall be transported in the back seat where practical to do so.  The driver is responsible for passengers under age 16 being properly secured.

You are called to a minor MVA at a grocery store parking lot. No one appears to be injured and the driver holding a baby asks you about her child’s car seat. She says she has heard that if a car seat is involved in a crash, it needs to be replaced and she wants you to check it for her. You are not a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. What risks are observed at the scene?

How can we keep from coming back?

 Inform parent that you are not a certified car seat technician and cannot inspect the seat for damage or installation  Inspections by certified technicians are available from several sources (see WHAM folder)  Suggest parent contact manufacturer of the car seat for recommendation or more info  Share with parents the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) criteria to determine if a car seat should be replaced (see next slide)  Parent needs to make this decision! Action to take to prevent further injuries

Do I need to replace my child safety seat after a crash?  NHTSA: child safety seats should be replaced following a moderate or severe crash  NHTSA: child safety seats do not automatically need to be replaced following a minor crash  Minor crashes meet ALL of the following criteria: Vehicle was able to be driven from the crash site Vehicle was able to be driven from the crash site Vehicle door nearest the safety seat was undamaged Vehicle door nearest the safety seat was undamaged There were no injuries to any of the vehicle occupants There were no injuries to any of the vehicle occupants The air bags (if present) did not deploy The air bags (if present) did not deploy There is no visible damage to the safety seat There is no visible damage to the safety seat

 Utilize WHAM folder on rig  Safe Kids “Basic Car Seat Safety” brochure (for ESL or low literacy) NOTE— Brochures have sticker with local car seat line: or BUCKLUP Materials to leave behind

Further info on Child Passenger Safety  Links: Washington Safety Restraint Coalition (lists local Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians, Washington State laws, educational materials and buyer’s guide) National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (find a local car seat technician, car seat ratings, installation tips for parents)

WHAM developed by: Central Pierce Fire & Rescue City of DuPont Fire Department Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One Safe Kids Pierce County Tacoma-Pierce County Health Dept. With funding from: West Region EMS & Trauma Care Council