How should infants be secured in an ambulance?

• A. In a child restraint system (CRS) with a properly sized 5-point harness
• B. In a standard seat belt
• C. On the floor with a strap
• D. In a forward-facing car seat only

Answer: (A)

Infants should be secured in a properly sized child restraint system with a correctly adjusted 5-point harness. This setup is designed to fit an infant’s small frame and evenly distribute crash forces across the shoulders, chest, hips, and between the legs, keeping the infant from being ejected or tossed around in an ambulance during sudden stops or maneuvers. The harness should be snug, with the chest clip at armpit level and the harness slots at or below the shoulders, and the CRS should be rear-facing and correctly installed in the ambulance seat.

Using a standard seat belt isn’t appropriate for infants because it isn’t sized for their small bodies and can ride up over the neck or abdomen. Having the infant on the floor with a strap provides no proper restraint and leaves them vulnerable to injury. A forward-facing car seat is typically not suitable for infants, who usually require a rear-facing position to protect the head, neck, and spine.

So, the safest and most effective option is the infant in a properly sized CRS with a 5-point harness, properly installed and used in the rear of the ambulance.