(duplicate) Speed and road conditions on neonates in ambulances.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Do the speed and road conditions have an effect on the physiological stability of sick and preterm babies undergoing interhospital transfer by ambulance?
IRAS ID
100590
Contact name
Viviane Hall
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Salford
Research summary
Approximately 250 sick or premature babies per year in Greater Manchester need a transfer by ambulance whilst receiving intensive care. These transfers are undertaken by a specialist group of nursing and medical staff (Greater Manchester Neonatal Transport Service). Many of these infants are unstable or critically ill and need careful stabilisation prior to transfer to prevent deterioration during the journey.
Whilst a rapid transfer is occasionally needed for access to specialist facilities it is recognised that excessive road speed increases the risks of RTA to the patient and staff. Anecdotal observation by clinical staff suggests that some infants tolerate transfer poorly, particularly if they are subjected to severe vibration and acceleration / deceleration forces, which is ameliorated by a reduction in road speed. This can give rise to problems with the heart rate, blood pressure and breathing which may require increased levels of ventilatory and pharmacological support
The study aims to provide information about the stability of the vital sign measurements (such as breathing, heart rate and blood pressure) of babies receiving intensive care who need transfer by ambulance. The study will compare the stability of these measurements to the speed and g forces experienced in 3 dimensions (longitudinal acceleration and braking, lateral acceleration and vertical vibration forces) during the ambulance journey. It is expected that by analysing the effects of road speed and g forces on the physiological condition of the baby it will be possible to determine the optimum speed to provide the safest transfers of sick and premature babies in the future.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/NW/0623
Date of REC Opinion
23 Sep 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion