@article{ref1,
title="Collisions involving mobile intensive care unit vehicles in Flanders, Belgium",
journal="European journal of emergency medicine",
year="1999",
author="Calle, Paul and Buylaert, W. and Fonck, K.",
volume="6",
number="4",
pages="349-353",
abstract="In order to evaluate the risk of collision during emergency responses of mobile intensive care units (MICUs) in Flanders, Belgium, a questionnaire was sent to 37 MICU services. The response rate was 84%. During the study period (1992-96) the incident rates for collision, collision with significant physical harm, and collision leading to a wrecked MICU vehicle were 1 per 52,000 km, 1 per 214,000 km and 1 per 250,000 km, respectively. Most collisions occurred during use of 'lights and siren' (66%), and involved other motor vehicles (72%). About 50% occurred during daylight with clear weather conditions and on dry roadways. Drivers had attended a course for safe and defensive driving in only four services (13%). The use of seat belts was imposed by the hospital authorities in 21 services (72%). Vehicles equipped with airbags and an ABS-braking system were used in eight (28%) and 13 (45%) services, respectively. Our data confirm that the collision rate for MICUs is high and that measures to reduce the risk of collisions and resulting injuries and damage are at present not optimal.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0969-9546",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}