First Aid Ottawa Blog: Child Car Seats

In Ottawa, it is estimated that more than 80 per cent of child car seats are not used correctly. Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of injuries and death for children under the age of 14. A car seat used correctly, will reduce deaths by 90 per cent and serious injuries by 70 per cent. The safer location for a car seat is in the centre rear of the vehicle, provided that the car seat, the seat belt assembly and the seating position are all compatible. The use of seat belts and properly installed car seats are the key to reducing serious injuries or deaths in the case of a collision.

To find out where to go to have your car seat inspected please visit S.E.A.T.S for Kids.

As an Authorized Training Provider of the Canadian Red Cross, all First Aid Ottawa Standard and Emergency First Aid courses are recognized by WSIB and its Federal counterpart the Canada Labour code. Visit us online at www.FirstAidOttawa.com or at 613-225-2727.

Did You Know?: Car Seats and Booster Seats

Car seats and booster seats are essential for the safety of children and youth and are required by law in Ontario. The best information can be found at the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website. The following information is summarized from their website.

Infants from birth to 9kg (20lb) must in a rear facing seat and away from an active airbag. Toddlers from 9 to 18kg (20 – 40 lb) must be in a forward facing seat and a tether strap must be used to secure the seat. Booster seats are required for children under the age of eight, weighing 18 kg or more but less than 36 kg (40-80 lb.) and who stand less than 145 cm (4 feet-9 inches) tall. Children under 13 years of age are safest in the back seat. Never put two children in the same seatbelt or place the shoulder strap behind the child's back.

As an Authorized Training Provider of the Canadian Red Cross, all First Aid Ottawa Standard and Emergency First Aid courses are recognized by WSIB and its Federal counterpart the Canada Labour code. Visit us online at www.FirstAidOttawa.com or at 613-225-2727.