Article Text
Abstract
Background Safe Kids Worldwide (SKW) is designated by the US government as the certifying body for car seat technicians in the US. Since 1998, more than 140,000 child passenger safety (CPS) technicians have been certified, and more than 38,000 technicians and 1300 instructors are currently active. This successful US model has made CPS part of the social norm in which child restraints are used until seat belts fit. However, many nations have yet to build a CPS system that is proven to save children’s lives.
Methods SKW cooperated with partners to create culturally sensitive pilot training programs in China, Qatar, Mexico, Abu Dhabi, and Israel. Training programs relied on a step-by-step approach to achieve sustainability. Each nation identified stakeholders, provided awareness training, and encouraged participants to become technicians. Certification classes focused on training technicians and on identifying and training local instructors. By the third class, China and Qatar certified a pool of technicians and instructors qualified to train more local experts. Also, new instructors were mentored to become lead instructors who keep technicians engaged and work with stakeholders to create a coordinated national CPS strategy.
Results China trained 60 technicians and 3 instructors and is poised to expand its program. Qatar certified 70 technicians and 5 instructors while advancing a nationwide CPS program. All countries have ongoing classes.
Conclusions The model demonstrated methodical success in creating a sustainable pool of trained CPS technicians in China and Qatar to reduce child injuries and fatalities. This model shows great promise for spreading CPS expertise and creating a new safety norm around the world.
- child passenger safety
- technician
- training