HASTINGS — Safe Kids South Central recently received an iPad Pro from AAA - The Auto Club Group.
Amanda Ablott, RN CPN, Safe Kids South Central Project Coordinator, received the iPad after AAA heard that Safe Kids was doing virtual car seat safety checks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Safe Kids does monthly car seat safety check appointments at the Lincoln Park Fire Station. Due to COVID-19, the organization began doing virtual checks.
Ablott said the iPad makes the virtual checks go much more smoothly than when she awas using the camera on her cell phone. The video is much clearer and larger so small details do not get missed.
Pat’s Towing, a AAA organization, recently presented the iPad to Ablott. Also on hand were Carol Hamik, MSN BSN RN CPN CPST LSSGB, Director of the Pediatric Unit at Mary Lanning Healthcare, and Justin Lane, an MLH pharmacist and new dad. Lane said he benefitted from Safe Kids South Central and its ability to do virtual safety checks. His son was born during the pandemic.
Lane said he had never installed a car seat and wanted someone with experience to double-check his installation before his baby arrived.
“Due to the ongoing pandemic, several organizations that typically check car seats had suspended in-person checks,” Lane said. “Safe Kids offered us a virtual appointment, which helped us confirm our child car seat was installed properly. This appointment gave us confidence our newborn would be as safe as possible whenever driving in the car.”
Ablott said the iPad will help the organization even after virtual appointments are no longer necessary. She said the iPad can be used for future car seat checks, looking up car seat owner’s manuals online, showing parents videos and data entry.