CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Within the week, HealthNet Aeromedical Services aircraft across West Virginia will be equipped with new ambulance child restraint kits designed for kids.

“Every day, somewhere across our system, we’re transporting critically ill children,” said Clinton Burley, CEO and president of HealthNet.

HealthNet is one of six agencies in West Virginia receiving the child ambulance restraints from the West Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services in collaboration with the West Virginia Healthcare Preparedness Program.

In addition to HealthNet, the other agencies are Air Evac, the Anthony Creek Volunteer Fire Department in Greenbrier County, the Logan Emergency Ambulance Service Authority, Cabell County EMS and the Burlington Volunteer Fire Department in Mineral County.

“Hopefully, in future years, we’ll be able to purchase more of these child safety restraints and get them to agencies across the state,” said Melissa Raynes, director of the West Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services.

“Statistically, when there is an ambulance crash there are more injuries and fatalities than in just a regular motor vehicle accident.”

The ambulance child restraints are adjustable to accommodate all kids weighing between four and 99 pounds.

“That’s pretty awesome because we’ve had other issues with some of the other restraint devices that just aren’t as good,” explained Thomas Reed, a HealthNet flight paramedic based in Beckley, during a Tuesday demonstration at CAMC Women and Children’s Hospital in Charleston.

Burley agreed.

“We can customize the fit for the individual child that we transported instead of trying, with the old technology, to make the equipment fit the child,” he said.

“This way it’s a perfect fit.”

Establishing guidelines for safely transporting children in ambulances has been an endeavor undertaken by various individuals and organizations in recent years. Despite these efforts, this multi-faceted problem has not been easy to solve.

While there have been resources developed, such as the Working Group Best-Practice Recommendations for the Safe Transportation of Children in Emergency Ground Ambulances (NHTSA 2012), there remain unanswered questions, primarily due to the lack of ambulance crash testing research specific to children.
The National Association of EMS State Officials (NASEMSO) is committed to advocating for the creation of evidence-based standards for safely transporting children by ambulance. Such standards would ensure a safer environment for the patients who rely on the EMS provider to act on their behalf.
Developing standards will require large investments of both time and funding to conduct the required crash testing. If research were started today, it would require at least three years and hundreds of thousands of dollars to complete.

While NASEMSO collaborates with other organizations to bring these standards to reality, it recognizes the gap between that goal and the reality of the decisions that EMS providers face today will continue to be an issue of concern.

The purpose of this interim guidance is to reduce that gap as much and as soon as possible, until evidence can be collected, analyzed, and used to develop standards specifically for children. Ultimately, pediatric restraint devices should be tested by the manufacturer to meet a new, yet-to-be developed standard.
NASEMSO recommends that this new standard include a pass/fail injury criteria comparable to that identified in FMVSS-213, which applies to child restraints in passenger vehicles.

All testing should use the ambulance-specific crash pulses described in SAE J3044, SAE J2956, and SAE J2917 respectively. Litters used in testing should meet the SAE J3027 Integrity, Retention and Patient Restraint Specifications.

Manufacturers should indicate to prospective purchasers whether their device(s) have met these requirements for the weight range indicated for the device. The device(s) should cover, at minimum, a weight range of between five (5) and 99 pounds (2.3 - 45 kg), ideally supporting the safest transport possible for all persons of any age or size….”

Lakeview Hospital Emergency Medical Services now offers a new way to transport pediatric patients.

Lakeview Hospital Emergency Medical Services (EMS) with help from the Lakeview Health Foundation purchased Quantum Ambulance Child Restraints (ACR) for their ambulances to transport children in a safer manner.

“This fills a previous void which our industry has had in the safe transportation of pediatrics,” stated Matt Milder, Lakeview Hospital EMS Operations and Education Supervisor. “We are very fortunate to have this new equipment for our ambulances and the communities we serve.”

On average Lakeview EMS has over 6,000 requests for service and serves over 100,000 people in a 325 square mile radius.

The Quantum ACR is for newborns and children ranging in weight from 4-99 pounds. It is compatible with any cot, has breathable fabric, which maximizes airflow and meets infection control standards. It also allows rapid transition from sitting to flat in an emergency or to recovery position and much more.

Previous to this technology, newborns and children would be transported in a car seat or on the adult sized stretcher.

“Our Lakeview EMS Team is constantly looking for state-of-the-art technologies to keep our patients safe. Working in partnership with our Lakeview Foundation, they have been able to support these new initiatives. We appreciate the great work our EMS team continually does.”

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. --The threat of injuries doesn't necessarily stop once a pediatric patient is in the ambulance. Medical experts have come to realize that because a significant number of ambulance crashes occur each year and about a thousand of those involve pediatric patients nationwide.

Lana Martin, CoxHealth Pediatric Trauma Coordinator tells KOLR10, ”We were very happy to find about this device so we could start implementing it on our trucks because it's a much better security system. It helps keeps kids safer when they ride in an ambulance.”

Martin explains the Ambulance Child Restraint, or ACR ,will accommodate children between four and 99 pounds.
“This device will be able to be used for any pediatric patient regardless if it's a medical or trauma patient.”

Prior to using this new technology CoxHealth was using either car seats or a single mat that was placed on the stretcher itself. “So their wasn't a really good solution until not very long ago when these came out.”

Jason Martin,CoxHealth Injury Prevention Outreach Coordinator, explains that not only does it provide security and protection for the kid, “But also allows for our medics to do their assessments and treatments in the back of the ambulances.”

CoxHealth medical experts says they have expanded its child safety passenger program to include their EMS who are now car seat technicians. “Most parents and family members understand safety and the last thing you want to happen during an emergency is another emergency on top of that.”

All 55 ambulance vehicles have been equipped with this new safety restraint.

Martin tells us the only other Missouri hospital with these new restraints is in Warrensburg.

CoxHealth is in the process of getting these new Ambulance Child Restraints on their helicopters sometime in the near future.

LAKE SUCCESS, NY—Quantum EMS Solutions is pleased to announce the launch of its new product, the ACR-4, a full-range ambulance child restraint system for the U.S. market.

The ACR-4 (ambulance child restraint) is the latest version of the original ACR; however, ACR-4 now allows for the safe restraint of all children from 4 pounds–99 pounds during transport. The ACR-4 is an innovative, flexible and fully-adjustable harnessing system designed for the safe and effective transport of infants and children in an ambulance, and it is color coded for easy selection. Universal cot straps (included) connect with the ACR harness, holding the patient in place to prevent potentially dangerous movement during transportation.

Key features include:

The ability to perform procedures while the child is restrained. ACR has an open channel design from the airway to the waist.
The restraint tightens into the mattress of the cot, not the patient.
Fits on any cot without a bracket adapter.
Can be used in sitting or supine position.
Fully crash tested.
Machine washable.

One restraint system to service all patients.
Kris Bordnick, vice president of EMS sales–North America for Quantum EMS Solutions, says, “The ACR-4 is the only single device in the world that provides a safe, innovative and cost-effective solution that allows EMS providers to safely restrain a full range of pediatric patients from 4 pounds–99 pounds. Additionally, the ACR allows providers to safely perform medical procedures while the child is restrained—there is no reason to un-restrain pediatric patients and put them in danger during transport. Also, the single device allows for the elimination of having to store and use multiple products to accomplish the task of restraining children.”

Bordnick adds, “According to www.saferidenews.com, approximately 620,000 children per year ride in ambulances while improperly restrained. While multiple factors contribute to this number, when properly utilized the ACR-4 will assist in reducing that number due to its flexibility, allowing for a broader range of pediatric patients to be restrained correctly.”

LAKE SUCCESS, NY, December 1, 2014 – Quantum EMS, is pleased to announce that the Wyoming Emergency Medical Services for Children Program (EMSC)has purchased 103 Ambulance Child Restraint (ACR) Systems as part of its overall pediatric safety project for EMS allowing for the safe and effective restraint of pediatric patients transported in Wyoming between 11-99 pounds.

“The Wyoming Department of Health and our partners in this project are committed to the safety of Wyoming’s children. We hope they never have to ride in an ambulance, but if they do, we want to ensure that our EMS crews have the tools they need to safely transport them,” says Brandon Kelley, EMSC program manager, Office of EMS, Wyoming Department of Health.

The Wyoming EMS for Children program serves the entire state of Wyoming, striving to ensure that EMS providers are educated and up to date on the latest treatment standards and developments in pediatric healthcare. The EMSC program serves over 80 EMS agencies and hospitals throughout Wyoming.

Kris Bordnick, Vice-President of EMS Sales North America, issued the following statement in regard to the announcement: “The State of Wyoming Emergency Medical Services for Children program is taking a quantum leap by utilizing the latest technology available the Ambulance Child Restraint System. Wyoming residents should take great comfort in the fact that their EMS for Children program, Office of EMS and the Wyoming Department of Health is taking action to help reduce the 600,000 pediatric patients nationwide that are improperly restrained in ambulances every year. We cannot praise them enough for their efforts in keeping children safe.”

The ACR (Ambulance Child Restraint) is an innovative, flexible and fully adjustable harnessing system for the safe and effective transport of infants and children in an ambulance, and is color coded for easy selection in three sizes from 11 to 99 pounds. Quick release clips dock with the ACR harness, holding the patient in place to prevent potentially dangerous movement during transportation.

Quantum EMS, is pleased to announce the launch of the “ACR On Board for Child Safety Program”.

Kris Bordnick, Vice President of Quantum EMS North America, issued the following statement in regard to the announcement:

“The Quantum ACR (Ambulance Child Restraint System) On Board for Child Safety Program was originally designed with the EMSC members in mind, however, due to the flood of requests we have received, we are pleased to offer it to the entire EMS Community.”

The “On Board Program” is free to join and offer members the following benefits:
-Be part of ACR ( Ambulance Child Restraint ) accredited Pediatric “On-Board” program
-Funding program to assist in obtaining training units
-Specialist Pediatric ACR ( Ambulance Child Restraint ) training
-Pediatric news and reviews
-VIP Pediatric events

“The “On Board “ Program is designed to raise awareness due to the fact that over 600,000 children are not restrained properly in the back of ambulances on an annual basis,” Bordnick added. “ Our desire is to educate, coordinate, and inform the EMS community of possible solutions to a growing problem and overall reduce the number of children affected by this problem”

Details regarding the program can be obtained by contacting Quantum EMS directly at 516-321-9494 or by visiting www.quantum-ems.com.

From new stair chairs to a bag that lights up, EMS Today showcased a range of exciting new products.

Touring the exhibits at February’s EMS Today conference in Washington D.C., I was impressed by the quality of the education sessions, the combination of EMS clinicians, administrators and educators in the hall, and some great new EMS products — many of which were introduced for the very first time.

Quantum EMS introduced two new stair chairs to EMS. One, the Swiftlite Q-110, is one of the lightest and least expensive folding tracked stair chairs. It handles up to 400 pounds and can be operated by one person in an emergency evacuation.

The other, the Swiftlight Q-120, is built like a steel tank with intuitive controls and ergonomic handles. Yes, it is a little heavier and more expensive, but it is clearly designed to last for years under hard use. The engineering is elegant simplicity and the materials of construction are second to none.

March 17, 2014

LAKE SUCCESS, NY—Quantum EMS is pleased to announce the launch of its new product, the Quantum Swiftlite Q-100 stair chair.

Lightweight and durable, the Q-100 chair weighs only 16 pounds and has a payload capacity of 440 pounds. The chairs comes complete with restraints and wall mounting bracket.

Kris Bordnick, vice president of EMS Sales North America, issued the following statement in regard to the announcement: “The Quantum Q-100 aligns with our other stair chairs by providing the lightest weight and least expensive stair chairs to the EMS market. The Q-100 is a lightweight, durable and cost effective solution for EMS providers.”

Details regarding the products can be obtained by contacting Quantum EMS directly at 516/321-9494 or by visiting www.quantum-ems.com.

About Quantum EMS
Quantum EMS, based in Lake Success, NY, is an emerging medical device company that sells multiple medical devices specifically for the EMS market. Our products serve the immobilization, patient transport and first aid categories.

January 28, 2014,

LAKE SUCCESS, NY—Quantum EMS is pleased to announce the launch of the lightest weight and least expensive track stair chair in the U.S. market. The Swiftlite Q-110 is now available through Quantum’s North American distributors.

The QUANTUM Swiftlite Q-110 is a modified Q-100 single-person operation stair chair incorporating two carry-handles that allows for two person operation, including upwards transport.

Features of the Swiftlite include:

* Lightweight, quick & easy to use
* Versatile—use along corridors and hallways
* Ascending and descending capability
* Folds away ready to use in seconds
* Foldaway handles for two person operation
* Large wheels for stability over rough terrain, dual wheel locks
* Antimicrobial protection
* Oxygen cylinder holder (optional)
* Dual position seat
* Head, chest, seat and ankle restraints
* Detachable seat and backrest
* Fixing bracket
* Wall mount bracket, dust cover, and instructional DVD included with purchase
* 15-year warranty

Kris Bordnick, vice-president of EMS Sales North America, issued the following statement in regard to the announcement: “Swiftlite provides a paradigm shift to what is currently available to EMS providers in the North America. The history of cell phones or any old technology is a great parallel to stair chairs. Remember when cell phones were large and bulky and heavy to use? Today phones are slim, sleek, lightweight, intuitive and durable. Swiftlite offers a new lightweight, sleek, durable, inexpensive alternative to the products currently available to the market.”

Bordnick added, “The Swiftlite is one of three stair chairs we will be offering the U.S. market. The Swiftlite 100 is an untracked carry chair and the Swiftlite 120 is a stair chair that has the capability to both ascend and descend stairs. The 110 and the 100 offer the same lightweight, sleek, slim, durable design and inexpensive price point that is characteristic of our product line. We just launched the product into the U.S. market and one of our distributor sales representatives, Henry Schein EMS’s Alan Espinosa, received the first United States order from Alpharetta Fire Department in Alpharetta, GA, a prominent fire department in metropolitan Atlanta.

During the in-service of the Swiflite, Jim Darling, EMS coordinator for Alpharetta Fire Department, had this to say: “After watching a 100-pound EMT bring a 275-pound firefighter down a set of stairs with ease using the Swiftlite stair chair, I was convinced that this device would help our personnel avoid the injuries and difficulties associated with lifting larger patients. That, coupled with the price, made the decision to purchase the Swiftlite Stair Chairs relatively easy.”

Details regarding the products can be obtained by contacting Quantum EMS directly at 516/321-9494 or by visiting www.quantum-ems.com.

About Quantum EMS
Quantum EMS, based in Lake Success, NY, is an emerging medical device company that sells the multiple medical devices specifically to the EMS market. Our products serve the immobilization, patient transport and first aid categories.

January 27, 2014

LAKE SUCCESS, NY, January 10, 2014 – Quantum EMS, is pleased to announce the launch of its new product ACR- The Ambulance Child Restraint System for the US Market. The ACR is now available to through Quantum’s North American Distributors within in the US Market.

ACR (Ambulance Child Restraint) is an innovative, flexible and fully adjustable harnessing system for the safe and effective transport of infants and children in an ambulance, and is color coded for easy selection in 3 sizes from 11 to 99 pounds.

Quick release clips dock with the ACR harness, holding the patient in place to prevent potentially dangerous movement during transportation.

Kris Bordnick, Vice-President of EMS Sales North America, issued the following statement in regard to the announcement – “The ACR provides a safe, innovative,cost-effective, solution that allows EMS Providers to safely restrain a full range of pediatric patients”. “One size does not fit all when it comes to restraining pediatric patients”.

Bordnick also added, ““According to www.saferidenews.com Approximately 620,000 children per year ride in ambulances while improperly restrained.” While multiple factors contribute to this number, the ACR product when properly utilized will assist in reducing that number due to the fact due to it’s flexibility and allow for a broader renage of pediatric patients to be restrained correctly.

Details regarding the products can be obtained by contacting Quantum EMS directly at 201-888-0798 or by visiting www.quantum-ems.com

About Quantum EMS,
Quantum EMS , based in Lake Success , NY is an emerging medical device company that sells the multiple medical devices specifically to the EMS Market. Our products serve the immobilization, patient transport, and first aid categories.