Use of restraints in ambulances: a state survey.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the requirements in all states and the District of Columbia for use of restraints on patients in ambulances.


METHODS
A structured telephone survey was conducted with all state Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies or the agency responsible for the regulation of ambulances. Questions were asked regarding restraint of patients in ambulances. The age definition of a pediatric patient was also queried.


RESULTS
Ambulances are regulated in 47% of states by EMS, 14% by law enforcement, 3% by a public safety agency, and in some states by other agencies such as the Department of Motor Vehicles. In 27% of the states no agency is responsible for ambulance regulations. Most states do not require patients of any age to be restrained in ambulances; however, the drivers and passengers are required to wear seat belts. Most of the states with laws regulating ambulance restraints for infants and children were in the northeast. There is great variance in the age that defines a pediatric patient for EMS.


CONCLUSIONS
A means of safely restraining infants and children in ambulances is needed. Until new restraints are available, ambulances should restrain infants and children in car seats and on gurneys. A national age standard for defining a pediatric patient using EMS is needed.
Seidel
J S
JS
Department of Emergency Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, UCLA School of Medicine, Torrance, CA 90509, USA.
Greenlaw
J
J
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000552:Ambulances / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003625:Data Collection; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D015370:Infant Equipment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012149:Restraint, Physical / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D012622:Seat Belts / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States