OSU Physicians provide car seats, promote infant safety

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

TULSA, Okla. – A group of Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine physicians are providing car seats for their patients after finding that those without the means to purchase an infant car seat often simply borrow one to get the infant home, then do without.

“Fatalities among children can be reduced by 71 percent through the use of infant care restraints yet 20-25 percent of children still ride unrestrained and 80 percent of infants under the age of one are improperly restrained,” says Joseph R. Johnson, D.O., chair of the OSU Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.  

Believing that a good way to ensure a positive impact in communities is to provide what they are lacking, the physicians started the program. Each patient that delivers through the obstetrical department at OSU Medical Center receives a free infant car seat and no infant under their care goes home without an acceptable infant car seat. New parents also receive education about the proper positioning to make sure their new addition arrives safely at their destination.

William Po, M.D., associate residency director, said about the cost, “It’s important for us to teach the next generation of doctors that regardless of cost, giving to our community is more than just writing a prescription, but putting our beliefs into actions.”

Johnson said, “Millions of dollars are spent each year in parent education but when you can’t afford a car seat, education does little to curb the situation.  Our OSU doctors are making a difference. As physicians we find regulations to healthcare access, and the strains on our economy are no excuse to forget what we love about medicine and that’s caring for people.  At OSU we know that our gift comes from a servant’s heart and a love for the communities we serve.”

Lance Frye, M.D., notes that infants from birth to one year of age should ride in a rear-facing seat with harness straps below the shoulder level. After age one, or greater than 20 pounds, a toddler should be positioned forward facing with harness straps again located at or above the shoulder level.  “Proper positioning is essential to maximal protection,” he added.  

Information about infant safety and the proper use of infant car seats is available at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at www.nhtsa.dot.gov <http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov>  or from the caring physicians at OSU Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, (918) 586-4500.  OSU Physicians Obstetrics and Gynecology is at 717 S. Houston Ave., Suite 200.