H B Sherwood1, A Donze, J Giebe. 1. St. Louis Children's Hospital Neonatal/Pediatric Transport Team, MO.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of mechanical vibration on neonates during ambulance transport. DESIGN: Study used an infant mannequin in an isolette and measured the vibration levels experienced during controlled ambulance transports. PARTICIPANTS: Transport nurses and paramedics used a hospital-based mobile intensive care unit (MICU). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Measured vibration levels at specific locations within the ambulance and isolette. Investigated nonstandard mattresses and additional modifications to the isolette that would dampen the vibration transferred to the neonate. RESULTS: The analysis of variance showed significant differences (p < .002) in the amount of vibration among the specific locations in the ambulance. A gel-filled mattress decreased the transfer of mechanical vibration to the infant mannequin. Additional modifications to the isolette tray decreased vibration. CONCLUSIONS: Relatively inexpensive modifications can be made to the isolette tray and mattress to decrease the vibration levels experienced in transport.
OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of mechanical vibration on neonates during ambulance transport. DESIGN: Study used an infant mannequin in an isolette and measured the vibration levels experienced during controlled ambulance transports. PARTICIPANTS: Transport nurses and paramedics used a hospital-based mobile intensive care unit (MICU). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Measured vibration levels at specific locations within the ambulance and isolette. Investigated nonstandard mattresses and additional modifications to the isolette that would dampen the vibration transferred to the neonate. RESULTS: The analysis of variance showed significant differences (p < .002) in the amount of vibration among the specific locations in the ambulance. A gel-filled mattress decreased the transfer of mechanical vibration to the infant mannequin. Additional modifications to the isolette tray decreased vibration. CONCLUSIONS: Relatively inexpensive modifications can be made to the isolette tray and mattress to decrease the vibration levels experienced in transport.