How should children and infants not secured to a gurney be restrained in an ambulance?

In the context of restraining children and infants in an ambulance, using a child or infant restraint device is the appropriate method. This type of device is specifically designed to secure young passengers safely, providing the necessary support and restraint for their size and weight.

Child and infant restraint devices are engineered to prevent movement during transit, which is crucial because sudden stops or turns can pose serious risks to unrestrained young passengers. The use of these devices aligns with safety regulations and best practices in emergency medical services, ensuring that the child or infant is protected, especially if there are any jarring movements in the vehicle.

Standard seat belts are designed for adults and may not fit children or infants properly, which can lead to unsafe situations. Merely holding the child in place is not sufficient as it does not provide any form of protection against movement or impact. Lastly, stating that children do not need to be restrained ignores the fundamental safety requirements set by both regulations and best practices for emergency medical transport. Using the correct restraint device is vital for the safety of the young passengers.