I was very happy to see Jennifer Bardsley’s column about car seats for children. (“Buckle up! When your kid’s safety breaks the bank.”) Correct securing of the booster is more important than many parents would like to admit.
Now it’s also important to put a tag on the booster that identifies the child, parents, caregivers, home address, pediatrician, related phone numbers, and any other important medical information. This tag should be placed where it’s readily visible but the child will not destroy the information. The reason for the identification on the booster is to have it readily available in case of an accident.
If there is an accident it’s hoped that the child and booster stays with the car and are intact. Once the paramedics arrive they’ll remove all injured passengers from the wreckage and transport to multiple hospitals. Yes, multiple.
Different hospitals have trauma units to address the needs of adults or children. If the adults go to a hospital focused on adult trauma it’s to be hoped that they are able to identify themselves and their passengers. But who speaks for the small children transported to a child/infant trauma unit? The information transported with them by the medics regards the incident number, maybe the vehicle owner, maybe the name of the driver. Is that enough?
Small children stay in their boosters for transport unless there is compelling reason to remove them. Information on a label on the booster seat will help the hospital connect the child with adult care givers and his/her doctor.
If your child is worth the money to buy a good booster seat, take the extra couple of minutes to identify them just in case.
Paula D. Deter
Camano Island
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