Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

HELLEN KELLER HOSPITAL - Sheffield, Alabama
Car Seat Safety Inspections

What is it? 
Car Seat Safety Inspections are offered on the second Wednesday of each month at Helen Keller Hospital.  The hospital is the area’s only certified “fitting station” for car seat inspections. Inspections are performed in conjunction with the Hospital’s Volunteer Auxiliary, the Keller Women’s Center and Education Department, and the Safe Kids program. To become certified, inspectors must undergo 40 hours of training, learning to install a child/infant car seat properly on the numerous makes and models of vehicles. Certification is granted through the National Highway Safety and Transportation Authority (NHSTA).  Inspections are also available by appointment for individuals unable to attend on regularly scheduled dates.  The hospital also provides car seat safety inspections at other locations and events when invited to do so.

Who is it for? 
Car Seat Safety Inspections are for any person who uses a child or infant car seat or booster seat in their vehicle.  Any expired, defective, damaged, or otherwise ineffective car/booster seats are destroyed and a replacement seat is provided through funding by the Keller Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary. 

Why do they do it? 
The hospital became a certified fitting station to help protect children riding in automobiles.  Research shows that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death to children ages 2 to 14.  An infant or child restrained in a properly installed car seat has an 80 percent lower risk of a fatal injury than those who are unrestrained.

Program impact: 
Keller reaches an average of 40 people each month: ten during routine monthly inspection and approximately 30 inspections are done at the time newborns are discharged.   

Contact:  Leigh Smith, RN, BSN, IBCLC
Maternal/Child Educator
Telephone: 256-386-4162 or 256-386-4030
E-mail:  lsmith@helenkeller.com