Putting Child Safety First

When children are involved, it’s important for EMTs and paramedics to be able to focus on both their clinical needs and the safe transportation of the sick or injured pediatric patient.

With Quantum EMS’ ACR-4, that task becomes simple.

John Kloss, executive director of the Eastern Pennsylvania EMS Council, recently took shipment of 249 of the ACR-4 units for use by EMS agencies within the six-county region the council serves. Kloss says the purchase was part of a statewide focus on pediatric safety.

The ACR-4 is a child harnessing system that fits children anywhere from 4 to 99 pounds. The system includes a quick-release chest strap and is made from a breathable fabric.

So far the reviews from council agencies' leadership and practitioners have been nothing but positive, Kloss says.

“Literally one day after distribution, we received a message from a county EMS agency saying the product had been used, the ease of use was incredible and they felt very comfortable using it,” Kloss says.

The system allows for rapid transition from sitting to flat, and can be used with the stretcher back rest in the raised position.

Kloss says implementation went very smoothly, and there was no learning curve for employees. The council, funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Health, provided guidance on the initial training to the agencies before providing them with the ACR-4. Kloss says feedback from the training shows it was very simple and that no concerns were raised.

The ACR-4 has exceeded what previous products could do as far as handling different patient weights and has been beneficial for the council’s EMS agencies, Kloss says.

“Overall, I have nothing but positive things to say about this product,” Kloss says.

To learn more about the ACR-4 or other products from Quantum EMS, visit quantum-ems.com.