Mechanical vibration in ambulance 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.