Every day, ambulances across the UK are involved in at least one road traffic collision (RTC). While some of these accidents result in minor damage, others have led to serious injuries or even fatalities, impacting both paramedics and patients. Despite the dangers, a concerning pattern has emerged: many ambulance staff are failing to wear seat belts while working in the back of these vehicles, raising significant safety issues.
The hidden danger
National ambulance forums have repeatedly raised the alarm about this matter. The law requires everyone in an ambulance to wear a seatbelt, with exceptions only during critical moments of emergency care. However, this exemption is intended to be limited and temporary. Once the immediate care is completed, the staff member must buckle up. Yet, adherence to this rule is inconsistent, unnecessarily endangering both paramedics and patients.
Investigating the issue
To tackle this growing concern, the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) conducted a comprehensive survey in late 2022, targeting frontline staff across UK ambulance services. The aim was to gain insights into current seat belt practices and to identify barriers to compliance. The results were startling:
- Many paramedics were unaware that the driver is ultimately responsible for ensuring everyone in the vehicle is secured before the journey begins.
- A significant number of staff admitted they did not wear a seatbelt during their most recent ambulance journey.
- A surprisingly low percentage reported wearing a seatbelt throughout their last shift.
Establishing the standard: EN1789:2020
EN1789:2020, a European standard for medical vehicles, emphasises the importance of seatbelt use in ambulances. It requires that all occupants, including medical staff, patients, and other passengers, must be secured while the vehicle is moving. Adherence to this standard is vital for reducing the risk of injury during a collision and ensuring the safety of everyone on board.
The #SafeInTheBack campaign
In response to these concerning findings, the AACE launched the #SafeInTheBack campaign. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the risks of not wearing seat belts in the back of ambulances and to improve compliance with safety regulations. The campaign is designed to resonate from the highest levels of ambulance services down to frontline staff, emphasising that safety is a collective responsibility.
Innovative approaches to safer care
One of the challenges highlighted by the survey is the difficulty paramedics face in accessing essential equipment while remaining seated and belted. Ambulance layouts vary across the UK, and this lack of standardisation can make it challenging for staff to operate devices like defibrillators without unbuckling. This need for mobility often leads paramedics to take risks by not wearing their seat belts.
To address this problem, the German manufacturer Corpuls has developed the corpuls3 defibrillator/monitor, a modular device that enhances safety and accessibility. Unlike traditional single-unit monitors, the corpuls3 can be separated into three wirelessly connected modules: the Monitor, the Patient Box, and the Defibrillator.
By positioning each module strategically within the ambulance – such as securing the Patient Box to the stretcher, the Defibrillator on the trauma wall, and the Monitoring unit with the paramedic – paramedics can stay seated and belted while delivering high-quality care, performing 95% of their usual tasks. This innovative approach not only improves safety but also ensures that paramedics can quickly and effectively attend to patients without compromising their own safety.
As the #SafeInTheBack campaign gains momentum, it serves as a crucial reminder that safety in the back of an ambulance is not just a personal choice but a legal and ethical responsibility. By adopting new technologies and adhering to established safety standards, the aim is to create a safer environment for both paramedics and patients during critical, life-saving journeys.
