Mechanical vibration in ambulance transport.
OBJECTIVE
To study the effects of mechanical vibration on neonates during ambulance transport.


METHODS
Study used an infant mannequin in an isolette and measured the vibration levels experienced during controlled ambulance transports.


METHODS
Transport nurses and paramedics used a hospital-based mobile intensive care unit (MICU).


METHODS
Measured vibration levels at specific locations within the ambulance and isolette. Investigated nonstandard mattresses and additional modifications to the isolette that would dampen the vibration transferred to the neonate.


RESULTS
The analysis of variance showed significant differences (p < .002) in the amount of vibration among the specific locations in the ambulance. A gel-filled mattress decreased the transfer of mechanical vibration to the infant mannequin. Additional modifications to the isolette tray decreased vibration.


CONCLUSIONS
Relatively inexpensive modifications can be made to the isolette tray and mattress to decrease the vibration levels experienced in transport.
St. Louis Children's Hospital Neonatal/Pediatric Transport Team, MO.
H B
HB
Sherwood
A
A
Donze
J
J
Giebe
D000054:Acceleration; D000552:Ambulances; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001513:Beds; D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D007186:Incubators, Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008952:Mobile Health Units; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D017283:Neonatal Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D014187:Transportation of Patients / Q000379:methods*; D014732:Vibration / Q000009:adverse effects*