TEAM MEMBERS: Miguel Benson, Erik Bieging, Ross Gerber, Aman Ghotra, Abdikarim MahamudDepartment of Biomedical EngineeringTEAM ADVSIOR: Mitch Tyler, MS PEDepartment of Biomedical Engineering

TEAM CLIENT: Tom Brazelton, MD, MPHDepartment of PediatricsUW-Madison Hospital and Clinics

AbstractWe propose a physical prototype of a gurney-compatible- child seat for transporting children in ambulances. Current seats do not recline; Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) must unstrap the child out of seat and remove the seat off the gurney to lay the child flat on the gurney for specific medical treatments. However, this procedure takes up valuable time (~3 minutes) and protracts the time it takes to reach the hospital. As a result, our prototype reclines, and eliminates the need to remove the seat off the gurney to lay the child flat on the gurney. Also, our prototype supports children (1-10 years old) of various anatomical features unlike current ambulatory child seats. Initial testing of four subjects (1-10 year old) have given promising results but more testing needs to be done to assess prototypes mechanical and safety constraints. Also, we need to seek lighter yet robust material to fabricate future design of the child seat.

BackgroundAn estimated 5000 ambulance crashes annually [1]Safest to transport children sitting up(

Background/MotivationProblems with Current Design:Seat does not reclineTime consuming (~3 mins) because must remove the seat off gurney to lay child flat Seat is bulky Do not always carry seats in ambulancesChildren more prone to injury

Problem StatementDevelop a safe and compact child seat for transporting children (6-30 kg) in ambulances that allows Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to recline the child in the seat from the sitting position to the lying position when strapped onto a stretcher.

Design ConstraintsThe Child Seat:1. Must be compatible with current stretchers;2. Must secure a child (up to 10 year old)-Mass: 6-30 kg -Shoulder width:12.9-30.8 cm, -Hip to shoulder height: 20-44 cm [4];3. Must not restrict EMTs ability to care for the child;4. Must be cost-efficient and user-friendly;5. Must be collapsible;6. Must recline from 120-180 degrees;7. Must be easily sterilized.

Overview of the DesignWe have incorporated four unique features that make the child seat more conducive to ambulance transportation:Recline LockSliding Strap Back Rest Leg SupportOverview of Design Concept

Recline Lock MechanismFunction: Reclines the seatMechanism: Similar to a hinge joint 2 plates joined at center rotate freely about the joint1 plate permanently fixed to the seat while the other is attached to the back rest on a rail mechanismLock in position with pinMaterials: Wood and Screws

Sliding Strap AnchorFunction: Used to adjust strapsMechanism: Latch secures slide in placeOver-center design allows for free handsDeformable rubber disk for latch supportMaterials: Wood, Screws, Nails, Plastic

Back Rest TrackFunction: Anchors back of seat to stretcherAllows seat and stretcher to be reclined simultaneously Mechanism:Beam tracks on the back rest slide into groves in anchored backAnchored back is strapped firmly to stretcherAllows back rest to move relative to the stretcher while recliningMaterials: Wood, PVC piping, screws

Leg SupportFunction: Elevates patients legs if necessary Mechanism:Slides out from beneath base of seatSupported metal rails fit into base of seatMaterials: Wood, railingFigure J: Prototype DesignFigure I: Design Concept

Materials and Cost

Subject TestingTested our prototype on four subjects from the following age groups:1 year old4 year old6 year old10 year old

Figure K: 1 year old subject in upright position Figure L: 1 year old subject in laying position

Testing (cont.)Subject Testing Results:All 4 subjects fit well in seatEasy to adjust seat with subjects in itDifficult for one operator to adjust seat and straps simultaneously

Figure M: 6 year old subject in upright position Figure N: 6 year old subject in laying position

Future Considerations

Acknowledgements:We would like to thank Dr. Tom Brazelton and his colleagues, and Biomedical Engineering Department for providing us an opportunity to work on this project. Also, we would like to thank our advisor, Mitch Tyler, for providing us feedback and pointing us in the right direction.References:[1] Safe Ride News. http://www.saferidenews.com/html/Spec_Amb.html[2] Detroit News. http://www.detnews.com/2003/specialreport/0301/27/a11-68893.htm[3] Brazelton, T. University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics. Interview. [4] Physical Characteristics of Children. http://www.itl.nist.gov/iaui/ovrt/projects/anthrokids/child.html

AMBULATORY

CHILD SAFET

Y SEAT