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Hi all, So I wanted to ask opinions on back braces. I'm a new EMT and I for whatever reason keep struggling with my posture when lifting. I know I need to work and practice it and have done so but I'm still struggling ever so slightly. I was considering trying out a back brace. Not long term, but just maybe to see if it keeps me in the right position until I get it on my own. Does anyone have any advice or even personal experience with this? Im open to anything that may be helpful. I don't want to be the idiot who harms myself or good forbid my partner or paitent. Thank you!

Hello folks I wanted to start a discussion about ambulance safety, specifically about transporting pediatric patients in ambulances. This should be a safe space for EMS workers to discuss this topic and be free to admit what you do not know. I have learned so much in the past 3 years on the topic, from US ambulance operations to similar issues in other countries. I have access to the top experts on the subject from NIOSH, NHTSA, Pediatrics researchers and professors, equipment manufacturers like Ferno, Quantum, and IMMI. Lets talk! I will start with something I didn't know, that I know now. 1. There is no "standard" in the United States that measures whether or not a product designed to restrain a child in an ambulance actually works as intended. The only thing close is FMVSS-213 which sets requirements for car seats in passenger vehicles.... which does NOT include ambulances. This means that no device on your ambulance has ever been scientifically proven to reduce death and disability in a similar way to how car seats have been tested.... scary huh? I attached some guidance from NASEMSO on the topic (I was one of the authors). Safe Transport of Children by EMS- Interim Guidance 3-8-17 final.pdf