Embracing technology for safer ambulance journeys: a vital step forward  

National ambulance safety forums have long raised alarms about seatbelt compliance. While regulations require everyone in an ambulance to buckle up – with brief exceptions during critical emergency interventions – compliance remains inconsistent. A major barrier has been the design of ambulance interiors, which often limits paramedics’ ability to access essential equipment while safely seated and belted.

To address this, ambulance services and their leaders are turning to innovative solutions designed to make compliance easier and care more efficient. By investing in new, practical technology, the goal is to create safer environments where paramedics can remain securely seated without sacrificing their ability to deliver high-quality care.

Surveying the current state: a wake-up call for innovation  

The Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) conducted a comprehensive survey in late 2022 to understand current practices around seatbelt usage and to identify obstacles to compliance. The survey revealed troubling insights:

• Many paramedics were unaware that drivers bear ultimate responsibility for ensuring all passengers are secured. 

• A substantial number of staff admitted they hadn’t worn a seatbelt during recent shifts. 

• Compliance was found to be low, with only a small percentage wearing seatbelts throughout an entire shift. 

These findings highlighted the need for technological solutions that support safety without hampering access to life-saving equipment.

EN1789:2020: a standard that calls for new solutions  

The EN1789:2020 European standard mandates that all occupants in a medical vehicle, including paramedics, patients, and other passengers, must be belted whenever the vehicle is in motion.

While vital to preventing injuries, this standard has proven difficult to follow in practice without rethinking ambulance configurations and embracing technology that accommodates the needs of both safety and medical care.

The #SafeInTheBack initiative: a push for change 

In response to these findings, the AACE launched the #SafeInTheBack campaign, aiming to raise awareness of the importance of seatbelt use in ambulances and to improve compliance across UK services.

This campaign emphasises that safety is a shared responsibility, from top-level management to every frontline paramedic.

Innovating for safe, efficient care: The corpuls3 Solution  

One technology making waves in the industry is the corpuls3 defibrillator/monitor, developed by the German company corpuls. This modular system separates into three wirelessly connected components: the Monitor, the Patient Box, and the Defibrillator.

By strategically placing each module in the ambulance (securing the Patient Box to the stretcher, mounting the Defibrillator on the trauma wall, and positioning the Monitor with the paramedic creates the safe working triangle) – staff can remain seated and belted while accessing equipment. This setup allows paramedics to perform up to 95% of their essential tasks without compromising safety.

The #SafeInTheBack campaign: technology as a path to safer practices  

In light of the survey findings, the AACE launched the #SafeInTheBack campaign to increase awareness and promote the adoption of safety protocols and innovative solutions like the corpuls3.

The campaign underscores that ensuring safety in the back of an ambulance requires not only adherence to regulations but also a proactive approach to adopting new tools and technologies.

A safer future through technology

As the #SafeInTheBack campaign gains momentum, it serves as a reminder that embracing technology is crucial to advancing safety in ambulance care. By investing in solutions that support compliance with standards like EN1789:2020, ambulance services can create safer conditions for paramedics and patients alike, ensuring that safety remains a priority on every journey.

For more information on how the corpuls3 solution supports ambulance staff in staying #SafeInTheBack, click here. 

References:

Association of Ambulance Chief Executives – #SafeInTheBack Campaign