Investigating Vibration Levels in Neonatal Patient Transport

Canada's first standardized Neonatal Patient Transport System (NPTS) has been introduced in Ontario. Vibrations experienced by neonatal patients during transport in the NPTS have been a concern, since previous studies have suggested that such vibrations could increase morbidity and mortality rates for neonates. A road test mimicking actual transport was carried in a ground ambulance with the NPTS. Results show an amplification of vibrations at the neonate's head, relative to the floor, mostly at 9.5 Hz, and that neonates likely experience vibrations exceeding adult standards. A standardized environment test has demonstrated the first successful installation and validation of an entire NPTS atop an industrial shaker table. Results demonstrate that custom mattresses decreased the vibration when compared to the currently used Geo-Matrix™ mattress by 2-4 times, and use of a head restraint harness showed a decrease in vibration when compared to the standard five-point harness by 1.7-3.3 times.