SAFETY SQUAD BLOG

Top 3 items your first aid kit doesn't have, and throw out the burn cream.

2012-05-16T08:01:43-05:00

It is tough to find a ‘pre-packaged’ first aid kit that fits a modern family’s needs. Many of the high-end first aid kits are designed for job sites, so they contain enough supplies to treat many, many people. Other kits have items for the minor cuts and scrapes, but not the real emergencies. Safety Squad has responded to many emergencies, in clinical settings as well as within the community. Below are three critical first aid kit items that many families don’t know about:

Thermal blanket: In case of internal injury or blood loss, shock can be life-threatening. Keeping the person warm is critical. Medical grade thermal blankets work quicker and faster than traditional blankets. And, they are inexpensive (most are less than $6.00), they have no expiration date, and they are tightly packaged to fit easily into first aid kits (most are no more than 8” X 6” X 4”). None of us want to think of this kind of extreme emergency. But, this is the reason we have first aid kits – for the emergency. Most of us parents keep the character Band-Aids and antiseptic wipes in other, more accessible places, like the bathroom drawer or medicine cabinet.

Liquid Benadryl: An allergic reaction can happen out of the blue. What would you do for a severe allergic reaction, that presents for the first time, and

you don’t have an epinephrine pen? After calling 911, administering a dose of liquid Benadryl may be the way to go. Liquid Benadryl works faster than tablets and is easier for children, as well as the elderly, to ingest.

Aspirin, non-coated 325 mg: 1 in 4 adults have cardiovascular disease. Heart disease is the #1 killer of women. The American Heart Association first aid guidelines suggest offering a single aspirin to adults who are possibly experiencing the early signs of a heart attack. Early intervention can make the difference between life and death. The aspirin should be chewed to provide for more rapid absorption. Why is this important, when most parents are concerned about keeping their kids healthy? Remember, providing for your kids includes taking care of yourself and their adult role-models. Most heart attacks happen at home. Your kids need you to be OK too.

One final note…..if your pre-packaged first aid kit contains burn ointment, throw it away. Burn ointment should never be used on a new burn, as the first course of treatment. Cold, running water, applied immediately, is the recommended treatment. Burn creams or ointments should never be used unless prescribed by your healthcare provider.

High back vs. Backless boosters

2012-05-16T03:51:00-05:00

There are a lot of topics that accompany this booster seat conversation, the least of which is when to move into a booster, (4 & 40) is NOT a rule. We're not talking about that here (except to say.. boosters are often a demotion in safety, not a graduation from a 5 point harness).

After "When to go into a booster?", the number one question we get from parents about choosing a booster seat is which style is safest – high-back or no back (backless). Both styles have passed mandatory federal safety testing, so they are both safe. The answer to this question depends on your vehicle and your child. Here are the two most important things to consider:

What kind of head support does your vehicle’s back seat offer? Is there a head rest? Where are your child’s ears in relation to the head rest?
- Your vehicle’s headrest helps with whiplash protection. If your vehicle doesn’t have a head rest, or has one that you are not comfortable with, you will want to purchase a high back booster. Of if you have a tall child and the ears are above the vehicle headrest when sitting in a backless booster, you will want to purchase a highback booster.
How is your child’s behavior while sitting in the car? Remember that the booster seat only ‘raises’ your child up in the vehicle – crash protection is

provided by the vehicle’s seat belts. For seat belts to provide proper protection, the child needs to sit upright in the seat, back against the back, and legs down. If your child is squirmy, sometimes a high back booster provides more structure and support.

Other issues to considers, not all of them safety related:

If your kid spends a lot of time in the car on long trips, he may sleep better in a high back booster. Additionally, often children remain in a more proper position when sleeping in a high back booster, than in a backless one.
High back boosters may provide more side-impact protection, but we do not know for sure. Federal safety testing for car seats does not include side impact testing, so we don’t know for sure how different seats fare. Many companies advertise that they have conducted their own side-impact testing; but again, there is no standard for this type of testing. A study conducted by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in 2005 suggested that high back boosters may offer increased side impact protection However, a later study in 2009, by the same hospital, ) demonstrated no difference between the two styles. Many newer vehicles have side impact protection, so this may be an option for families to consider.
Where does the shoulder belt rest against your child’s shoulder with your backless booster? If you are having problems with the shoulder belt being too close to your child’s neck and face, often how back boosters allow for better positioning of the shoulder belt.
How contrary is your child regarding a high-back booster? Backless boosters may be more appealing to older kids and allow them to feel more main-streamed. We all know that it’s tough to be the parent and it is our job to enforce the rules. However, if your child screams and argues with you during each car ride because he doesn’t like his high back booster, this situation is not safe because the driver is too distracted.

The key takeaway for parents:

Using a booster seat is important. Just because your child is now 8 years old, doesn’t mean he will fit into the vehicle properly without a booster. We have seen many 9 and 10 year olds who still need a booster to achieve a safe fit in the vehicle. Repeated research demonstrates that this is the best way to protect your child in a crash. Here are the AAP recommendations (yes, 12) Here is a guide to help you determine proper fit. Lastly, many high back boosters convert into no back boosters. If you're on the fence,buying the convertible type will give you options.

Teaching kids to dial 911 on an iPhone

2012-05-14T16:48:23-05:00

It's been a while, but we're posting again. More to come. Here's a practical tip. Even though many kids are super tech savvy, very few will know how to call 911 on your phone if the screen is locked. Test this with your kids. Watch what happens when you give them a phone with no guidance. Of course, if you have an android or another smart phone, tweak the instruction to reflect how kids can dial quickly.

Calling 911 on an iPhone:
1. Swipe to right
2. Press "Emergency Call"
3. Dial 9-1-1
4. Press green "Send" button

Let us know what your kids do.

Recall Notification: Dorel Juvenile Group, Cosco, Maxi-Cosi, and Safety 1st Child Restraint System Center Front Adjuster Recall

2011-02-15T08:35:09-06:00

You may remember that we helped call attention to this problem back in March 2010. Here's the original story. It looks DJG has finally issued a recall. Please contact Dorel and take any action required if your seat is included. The information is below. We will give you more information when we get it. Here is a link to the notification on Dorel's website.

HTSA Campaign ID Number: 11C001

Synopsis:
DJG is recalling certain infant, convertible, and booster child restraint systems which were sold both as stand alone seats or part of a travel system (with stroller). Child restraint systems included in this recall begin with model numbers 22077, 22078, 22148, 22149, 22150, 22152, 22154, 22155, 22158, 22159, 22172, 22177, 22178, 22185, 22188, 22195, 22356, 22371, 22372, 22412, 22439, 22452, 22453, 22456, 22458, 22459, 22462, 22465, 22469, 22476, 22486, 22546, 22547, 22553, 22554, 22561, 22564, 22567, 22574, 22580, 22657, 22740, 22741, 22755, 22758, 22759, 22790, 22799, 22880, 22560, 22346, 17439, 22449, 22475, and IC072, manufactured from May 1, 2008, through April 30, 2009. The harness locking and release button does not always return to its locked position. A button that is not in the locked position can allow the harness adjustment strap to slip back through the adjuster as a child moves around in the seat and results in a loose harness. In the event of a vehicle crash, the child may not be adequately protected and is at an increased risk for injury. Registered owners will receive a free remedy kit consisting of a small tube of non-toxic, food-grade lubricant to be applied to the center front adjuster (CFA) to prevent sticking and allow it to properly engage the CFA strap. Instructions on how to apply the lubricant will be provided, along with a label to indicate that the repair has been completed. Non-registered owners should contact DJG at 1-866-623-3139 or by email at harnessadjustment@djgusa.com. Consumers will need the entire model number on the child restraint when contacting the manufacturer.

For more information for this particular recall, please go to 11C001.

Thank you,

Recalls Subscription Team
Office of Defects Investigation (ODI)
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)

BuckleBuddy.Org

2010-08-13T14:30:31-05:00

Safety Squad

Alderman Wants Retailers to Carry Part of Car Seat Safety Burden

2010-06-08T20:42:35-05:00

The Chicago City Council on Wednesday will consider a proposal aimed at getting parents expert help when it comes to wrestling the alligator that is a child car safety seat.

An estimated 83.9 percent of child car seats are not installed correctly, potentially exposing children to serious risk.

"The scary part about that is when parents are polled, 96 percent of parents think their car seat is in correctly," according to Steve Breden, a certified child passenger safety technician.

Those numbers inspired Ald. James Balcer (11th) to introduce an ordinance that would require any retailer selling child car seats to post an informational flyer with 20 feet of the car seat that is for sale. The flyer would provide parents with a phone number and a website where they can access a certified child passenger safety technician who can install a seat or answer questions about the process.

He said the legislation, which passed through subcommittee last week, would save frustration and lives.

"One thousand children are dying each year [and ]184,000 are injured. I felt something had to be done," he said.

But the measure is opposed by the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, which said the idea would put stores on a slippery slope.

"The concern we have is that somehow the responsibility for educating consumers on the proper way to install a car seat has fallen on the retailers," said IRMA Senior Counsel Tanya Triche. "So you can imagine a certain percentage of our store being taken up with 'educational' sort of signs. So that's an issue for us."

Balcer took IRMA to task upon hearing the comments.

"Shame on them. It's a slippery slope. Fine, let it keep sliding. Whatever it takes to save the lives of children, to prevent children from being injured -- I'm all for that," he said.

Source: http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/business/chicago-car-seat-ordinance-95890004.html#ixzz0qJbfG8f9

Thoughts from Lifesavers 2010 in Philadelphia

2010-04-14T21:03:11-05:00

Lifesavers 2010 is in the books.

First off, we're always thankful for the friends, colleagues and experts we spend time with at Lifesavers. You're crucial in shaping the message we deliver to parents about keeping children safe.

Next, there were a few important themes we would like to highlight from this year's event. These represent emerging trends, needs and changes in philosophy relating to child passenger safety. - We are starting to see real cooperation between retailers and CPS technicians in some cities. This is important as stores are key places to capture parents' attention and deliver the much needed message of appropriate restraint usage.

Children benefit tremendously from police officers being car seat awareness trained. This is especially true in states which have laws addressing appropriate restraint use as opposed to just general use. Officers can't write tickets and save lives if they don't recognize misuse.

Car seat law offender programs require clear goals. Appropriate measures must be enacted to achieve those goals. Car seat laws are useless if they are not enforced. Violators habits remain the same if they have no incentive to change.

Here's a potentially shocking statement. "The leading cause of death for children is their parents." Is this statement true or not? Really think about it. Isn't it parents that put children in a position to live or die in any situation? With regards to child passenger safety, isn't it parents that make the decision to restrain their children appropriately or not when getting in the car? Isn't it parents who make the decision to act on their children's behalf and receive car seat education? Don't parents make a choice to buckle up, live to see their children grow and set good examples from the start? Thank you to Joanne Fairchild of Legacy Emanuel Trauma Nurses Talk Tough for introducing us to this way of thinking. Here at Safety Squad we say it's not parents' fault that car seats can be so difficult. But, parents can use this perspective to challenge themselves to put their families in the best position possible to survive any emergency. If you're reading this or you're a Safety Squad client you probably already accepted this challenge. Don't let up.

Thanks again Lifesavers 2010. We'll see you next year in Phoenix.

Safety 1st Vantage Investigation on NBC

2010-03-03T22:28:03-06:00

As part of this NBC Report, Safety Squad's Tom McQueen Investigated the seats in question:

View more news videos at: http://www.nbcchicago.com/video.

A Chicago father's home video that apparently shows the failure of multiple child safety seats is getting some high-level attention.

Initially, Bryan Dussault said he wasn't surprised when he took a call last fall from his mother-in-law, who reported having difficulty with one of the straps on the Safety First Vantage Booster Car Seat, made by Dorel Juvenile Group of Columbus, Indiana.

That changed when he inspected the seat himself and found that it was impossible to secure a child in the seat because the strap wouldn't hold.

"I had a little bit of a tough time with the strap. Ultimately, I got it adjusted, but then was able to pull the harness loose without touching the levers again. That told me something was really wrong," Dussault said.

Making matters worse, he was able to duplicate the problem on another car seat of the same make and model that was in his own car.

Dussault said he reported his concerns to Dorel, who immediately responded. The company asked him to return to two problems seats and they would be replaced.

But when he got the new seats, he said the failed straight out of the box.

"First thing I do is I get the seat out and test the latch, the harness latch and the first one fails," Dussault said. "These failed before they were ever even in a car. They probably failed on the factory floor, in my opinion."

Dussault, who is not a product engineer or safety seat expert, says he contacted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as a concerned parent and filed reports on the perceived failures. He also turned on his home video camera, and used an Elmo doll to show what he sees as a serious safety risk.

To Dussault's disappointment, he said the NHTSA didn't immediately respond to his complaint until he started blogging about the problem online.

He also let a safety inspector from The Safety Squad, a Chicago-based, for-profit safety inspection business, inspect the seats.

"I saw two seats that I don’t think would hold a child in a crash. That should not happen," the inspector, Tom McQueen, told NBC Chicago.

A spokeswoman for Dorel said the company turned the seats over to NHTSA once it got them back from Dussault. The NHTSA confirmed that inspectors from the agency have screened the seats in question, but there's no word yet on when organization will make a determination on the safety risks alleged by Dussalt.

Dorel's Full Statement:

Dorel Juvenile Group is fully committed to quality and safety. We dedicate millions of dollars each year to quality control and to operate world–class testing equipment as we strive to deliver products of the highest reliability.

We welcome all feedback regarding our car seats. Mr. Dussault’s comments concerning the Safety 1st Vantage car seat harness adjuster have been taken most seriously.

Specifically, we offered to conduct a full evaluation of these car seats at our state-of-the art testing center in Columbus, Indiana. We planned to have our safety team conduct a macroscopic, dimensional and functional evaluation of the harness adjusters, and to study each part of the car seats in question very closely against each of our technical specifications. However, since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has asked to see the seats first, a routine request in such a matter, we have obliged by sending the seats in question to them.

There have been no reported injuries or incidents concerning the Safety 1st Vantage car seat.

Dorel’s car seat testing methods are very stringent, and 100% of the harness adjusters are proof-loaded to a significant force - over 150 pounds - to ensure real-world safety. Dorel’s car seats also meet all of the government crash test safety standards.

Source: http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/business/dorel-child-restraints-86293657.html#ixzz0hBBYDmhc

5 Questions with Josh of Baby Solutions

2010-02-22T11:09:05-06:00

We'd like you to get to know Josh Berliant. He's the founder of Baby Solutions, Safety Squad's preferred childproofer since 2007. We sat down with him to deliver some childproofing basics to parents.

Safety Squad: When should parents begin thinking about childproofing?

Josh: It really is never too soon to begin the babyproofing process. Parents should start thinking about babyproofing even before they give birth to the child. Its a great time to evaluate the safety of your home and furnishings, while you still have your sanity. Waiting until your child begins to crawl is a mistake.

Safety Squad: What advice do you have for first time parents new to babyproofing?

Josh: Advice I would give new parents is that all products are not created equally. Many of the products on the market can do more harm than good. A professional can really help to ensure you are using quality products.

Safety Squad: We recommend your services exclusively for our clients in the Chicago area. For parents elsewhere, what advice would you give a parent when looking for a childproofer?

Josh: Baby Solutions childproofing services focuses on the individuals needs. Making sure the babyproofer you choose is putting your needs ahead of their needs. It isn't always necessary to babyproof every inch of your home. We strive to help you make your home safer and not break the bank.

Safety Squad: You mention that it's never too soon to think about babyproofing. Before calling you or any babyproofer, what are a few things parents can do around their homes for free to make baby's environment safer right now?

Josh: Most of the time babyproofing a home is equal parts recognizing the potential hazard, getting the right product installed to solve the issue, and "redecorating" your home. There are many simple changes you can make that will create a much safer home for your family. Getting an early start on breaking bad habits is very beneficial. Start loading the dishwasher with the sharp stuff pointing down and away from a child's reach. Taking the knobs off the stove when not in use is better than buying knob covers for them. Glass tables for example have many dangers. You could spend the money padding the edges, but the table would still be a very serious hazard. So instead, move the table to a place the baby won't be around it and put the padding money in the college fund.

Safety Squad: What's your favorite aspect of what you do?

Josh: My favorite part of what I do, besides of course making homes safer for children, is helping parents relieve the stress involved in the babyproofing process. I am strongly against trying to use a parent's fears against them. At Baby Solutions, we strive to calm parents fears and not flame them. If you've called me, I know you're already fearful of the hazards known and unknown around your house. I want to help you recognize the danger areas and come up with the perfect solution to solve your problem. Knowing that we have had thousands of referrals tells me we are doing it the right way.

Look forward to more childproofing content and videos with Josh. You can reach Baby Solutions at 773.342.BABY(2229) or through Safety Squad at 773.382.2833 x3.

Wear Your Seat Belt.. because we don't live in a fantasy world

2010-02-20T20:13:17-06:00

Safety Squad