Christiansburg EMS has become the first in Virginia to use a new crash-rated pediatric restraint system.
According to Deputy Chief Joshua Settlage, the Mini Pro Pediatric Restraint System is a proven product.
“One out of every 20 calls involve infants and young children that need this type of special unit,” he said.
The product, which was completely paid for through “For 4 Life” funding, is now being used in two of the department’s ambulances.
Settlage hopes to add at least two more in the near future. Currently, no one else in the Commonwealth has this restraint.
And within 24 hours of receiving the restraints, they were in use in Christiansburg in transporting a 15-month-old child who had been involved in a car accident.
“The restraint is very unique in the way that you can use it for individuals from four to 110 pounds,” Settlage said.
The Mini Pro features a removable chest clasp that allows providers direct access to the child’s chest for medical procedures while remaining crash tested. According to the company, Striker, the Mini Pro includes lateral head support, color-coded restraints with D-rings for fast setup and compatibility with ambulance stretchers.
The Mini Pro eliminates the need for multiple devices by adjusting to fit very small infants to smaller individuals.
Settlage also points to the restraint as being similar to a car seat but more flexible as it can be tied to an adult sitting on a stretcher.
“That keeps children close to their parent when we have to deal with a stressful situation,” he said.
“The restraint is safe and beneficial,” he added.
