NEW WINDSOR, N.Y. (September 9, 2019) — September 15 through 21 marks Child Passenger Safety Week. Mobile Life Support Services, the largest emergency services provider in the Hudson Valley, shares car seat safety tips and advice for adults and parents to keep children protected when traveling:
- Always refer to your car seat manual for installation instructions, and your vehicle manual for car seat placement and restraint systems that are built into your car.
- Car seat laws vary by state, so be sure to know the car seat laws in your state or states that you are traveling to by looking up the law: https://saferide4kids.com/car-seat-laws-by-state/
- Choose the right seat to fit your child’s age, height and weight. Know the parameters, and whether the seat is designed to be front facing, rear facing or both. Some infant seats convert into booster seats.
- When installing, use seatbelts or lower anchors, but not both, as that could damage the seat or injure the child. Car seat technicians can show you techniques to make sure anchor straps or a seatbelt are tight.
- Once installed, check to make sure the seat doesn’t move more than an inch when pushed and pulled.
- Check the angle of the car seat, as rear-facing infant seats should be semi-reclined, but not more than 45 degrees, and forward-facing toddler seats should be completely upright at 90 degrees.
- A child should remain rear facing until they are at least 2 years old. The longer the better.
- The harness clip should be as close to the skin as possible for safety. During colder months, avoid bulky jackets and place the child in a seat with just their clothes or thin outerwear, then place a blanket over the restraint straps for warmth, if necessary.
- Fill out the car seat registration card to ensure the manufacturer will send information about recalls.
- If the car seat was involved in a car accident, replace it. This may be covered under your auto insurance.
“Child safety seats are designed to keep our children safe in the event of an accident,” said EMT Darryl Raynor, a long-time Mobile Life employee and in-house certified car seat technician. “Put in the time and the effort to install them properly in order to protect your loved one.”
If you have questions about installation, use and/or choosing a car seat that’s right for you and your child, visit this website or search social media and other news outlets for a local car seat check event such as this one: Child Safety Seat Check – Orange County 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Town of Chester Commons Park, 81 Laroe Road, Chester, NY 10918. Agency: Town of Chester, Contact: Simone Klopf at (845) 469-7000 x1. You can also call your local police or fire department and ask how you can find a certified car seat technician.
Mobile Life is diligent in their efforts to create the safest environment possible for their patients, most recently, their pediatric patients and passengers. They are in the process of replacing retired ambulances with a newer model that includes a built-in child safety seat for young passengers who are uninjured, as opposed to the commercial car seats previously used. For pediatric patients, Mobile Life has invested in an innovative restraint system that safely attaches to the stretcher, securing the patient while still allowing full access to the body for treatment of injury or illness.
“There has been an increased awareness about the safety of child passengers over the years,” said Mobile Life President & CEO Scott Woebse. “Mobile Life is fully committed to the safety of all our patients and we are excited to integrate these new child safety systems into our practice.”
To learn more about Mobile Life, visit www.mobilelife.com. Individuals interested in employment opportunities with Mobile Life should visit the company’s website to submit an application or inquire about educational opportunities to become certified.
About Mobile Life Support Services, Inc.
Mobile Life Support Services, Inc. is a New York State Certified Advanced Life Support paramedic ambulance company that provides emergency services to communities and healthcare facilities throughout the Hudson Valley Region of New York State, including the counties of Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Ulster, and Westchester. Founded in 1981 by Rick and Gayle Metzger, Mobile Life is composed of more than 500 EMS professionals across the region and operates a fleet of more than 60 ambulances and 26 stations. With a collective population of more than 1,000,000 residents, Mobile Life handles approximately 100,000 calls per year. For more information, visit www.mobilelife.com.
