DEVICE FOR SAFELY TRANSPORTING A NEWBORN TOGETHER WITH THE MOTHER TO AN OUTPATIENT SETTING AND METHOD FOR USING THE DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The object of the present invention relates to a device for transporting in an ambulance or medical helicopter a newborn together with the mother, when the delivery has taken place outside of the hospital, imitating the "kangaroo method". The device assures the baby's safety during transport and strengthens the mother-newborn bond, in addition to allowing the continued care for both the mother and the newborn by healthcare professionals.

PRIOR ART

Currently, when a delivery occurs outside a hospital setting, it is necessary to choose between the patient's safety during transport to the reference hospital, separating the mother from the newborn (transport is done in two ambulances), or to allow them to go together to favor the bonding between both, but without assuring the newborn's safety in the event of any unexpected incident on the road. In the latter case, the newborn is transported in the mother's arms, without further securing.

Thus, when a delivery occurs outside a hospital setting, there are several transport options:

• Transporting the mother and newborn together. The mother is on the stretcher, with the stretcher securing system. The newborn is in the mother's arms, without any securing system. The newborn's safety cannot be assured in the event of any unexpected incident on the road and could be ejected.
• The newborn is in the arms of a healthcare professional in the ambulance. The two are in the same resource; the mother is on the stretcher, with the stretcher securing system; the professional is sitting with the seatbelt on and the newborn in his or her arms. The newborn's safety cannot be assured in the event of any unexpected incident on the road.
• Using a retention system as Kidi-safe^© with its reducer system for transporting the newborn. It requires separating the mother from the baby and using two resources (it is not always possible due to availability limitations). This would prevent mother-newborn bonding. Safety during transport is assured.
• Using neonatal transport systems (Baby-pod^© transport incubator). Like in the preceding case, the mother is separated from the newborn and two resources are needed for transport. Furthermore, there would be a further limitation, given that because of space, it is not possible to carry either of the devices in the ambulance. Another resource, if it were available, would have to take the device to the location and, therefore, delay transport.

There is currently no safety system or device which allows the joint transport of mother and newborn to the reference hospital assuring the safety of both during transport and furthermore favoring mother-newborn bonding.

Document FR3000892A1 relates to a device for safely immobilizing a newborn in the ventral or dorsal position on the mother's chest while she is lying on a stretcher during transport in a medical vehicle. The device comprises a canvas, straps, and a closure system for the straps. The canvas has a mesh on which the newborn is disposed and a harness from which the straps extend, with the harness being located in the center of the canvas. The canvas has fold regions to be folded around the newborn, enveloping him or her, and a central opening for the passage of the newborn's head, such that the newborn is disposed on the mesh and completely enveloped by the canvas, with the exception of the head. Some of the straps are fold over the newborn in order to fix the device to the newborn, and other straps are used to fix the device with the newborn to the stretcher on which the mother is lying, with the newborn being arranged on the mother's chest, with indirect contact with the mother through the mesh of the canvas.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to provide a device for safely transporting a newborn together with the mother in an outpatient setting and a method of use of the device, as defined in the claims.

One aspect of the invention relates to a device for safely transporting a newborn together with the mother in an outpatient setting, which comprises a canvas, straps, and a closure system. The straps are two fixed-length top straps extending from the top part of the canvas, two length-adjustable side straps extending from the bottom side parts of the canvas, and two bottom straps extending from the side straps; and the closure system is a quick-opening clip closure for joining the top straps to the side straps, such that in use the top straps are arranged on the mother's shoulders and the side straps are arranged on the mother's back, while the newborn is disposed between the canvas and the mother's chest, allowing skin-to-skin contact between the two.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of use of the transport device which comprises placing the newborn between the canvas and the mother's chest, allowing skin-to-skin contact between the two; placing the device on the mother by joining the side straps to the top straps and joining the bottom straps to one another, such that the canvas is arranged on the mother's chest, the top straps are arranged on the shoulders and the side straps are arranged on the back; and adjusting the length of the side straps tightening the canvas.

This device for safely transporting the newborn together with the mother in an outpatient setting allows a guaranteed transport for the mother and her newborn from the location where the baby was delivered to the reference hospital. The mother is secured with the stretcher retention systems, and the newborn is secured to the mother. Only one resource is needed for transport, and it does not depend on the availability of more resources nor is transport delayed. The continued care for both is facilitated. Furthermore, by imitating the kangaroo method, skin-to-skin contact between baby and mother is allowed.

Skin-to-skin contact helps babies to adapt to life outside the uterus and to maintain their body temperature, preventing hypothermia. It reduces crying time, strengthens the mother-newborn bond, and facilitates the mother's milk coming in, since the baby instinctively searches for and finds the nipple, spontaneously latches on and takes the first drink. This spontaneous latching after birth is related to easier and longer-lasting breastfeeding experiences.

The use of a canvas with the straps extending from the top part and the bottom side parts of the canvas allows the canvas to be fixed to the mother while the newborn is covered on top with the canvas but maintaining skin-to-skin contact between mother and newborn. Furthermore, the joining of the top straps to the side straps across the mother's back allows ensuring the fixing of the device while at the same time prevents there being straps passing over the newborn and possibly hurting him or her.

Moreover, the fixed length of the top straps which are arranged on the mother's shoulders, together with the adjustable length of the side straps, allows the closure system of the top straps with the side straps to be in a location accessible for healthcare personnel when the mother is lying on the stretcher, such that the closure can be rapidly accessed in the case of emergency for the newborn's or the mother's health.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description and for the purpose of helping to better understand the features of the invention, a set of drawings is attached in which the following is depicted:

• Figure 1 shows a front view of a first embodiment of the device of the invention.
• Figure 2 shows a front view of the bag for stowing the device.
• Figure 3 shows a front view of a clip closure open.
• Figure 4 shows a front view of a clip closure closed.
• Figure 5 shows a front view of the device of the invention placed on a woman with the newborn.
• Figure 6 shows a view of a woman's back with the device of the invention placed, with the straps not being crossed.
• Figure 7 shows a view of a woman's back with the device of the invention placed, with the straps crossed.
• Figure 8 shows a front view of a second embodiment of the device of the invention.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The device is made up of a body by way of a canvas; two side straps (one at each end) with a clip closure system (already existing on the market) extend from the bottom side parts of the canvas; two other top straps ending in a clip closure system extend from the top part of the canvas. Other bottom straps joined to one another on the mother's back by means of Velcro extend from the side straps to provide greater safety to the device and comfort to the mother. The newborn is placed between the canvas and the mother's chest.

Straps: The device is made up of six straps in total, that is, two top straps extending from the top part of the canvas, two side straps extending from the bottom side parts of the canvas and two bottom straps extending from the side straps. The top straps have a fixed length and end in a clip closure. The side straps are length-adjustable and have a clip closure. The top straps are joined to the side ones by means of the clip closure; they can be placed by being crossed on the mother's back or not. The two bottom straps are joined to one another by means of Velcro and are located on the mother's back.

The length adjustment system for the side straps is positioned at the free ends thereof. It is a quick adjustment system, once placed on the mother and with the baby positioned between the mother and the canvas, it is only necessary to pull on the free end thereof to tighten it and to pull on the other end while holding the adjustment element to loosen it. It allows the device to be adapted to the various measurements of women.

The clip closure system is safe and easy to open. The clip closure systems are joined together in the front part of the woman's shoulders, thereby not bothering the woman. They are clearly visible, such that should rapid access to the newborn or the mother be required, the clip can be actuated, the canvas released and either of the two can be rapidly tended to. With this closure system, it is ensured that healthcare professionals have rapid accessibility to the newborn and/or to the mother should either of them become unstable during transport.

The size of the canvas allows full-term and premature newborns to be covered.

This system ensures perfect securing of the child to the mother and facilitates mother-newborn bonding, as well as temperature stability of the newborn as it allows skin-to-skin contact with the mother.

It is, therefore, a device that is adaptable to the mother and to the newborn, it is safe and comfortable for the mother who has just given birth, and it is also simple and easy to handle for professionals. It assures safely transporting the mother and newborn together in an outpatient setting. It also allows a healthcare professional to safely carry the newborn during transport in case the mother is unable to do so at that time.

To ensure perfect cleanliness conditions of the device, it is stowed in a 5 cm x 20 cm x 30 cm bag; the device is therefore always in perfect conditions. This bag has handles so that it can be readily carried and a zipper closure. Because of its size, it can readily be stored both in an ambulance and in a medical helicopter.

Since it is a device relating to an outpatient setting, it has a series of features that reduce the risk of contagion between patients:

• The design allows for easily handling and minimizes contamination of the product by the patient or vice versa during use.
• The materials used for manufacturing same are resistant to bacteria, fungi, stains, rot, and disinfectants (bleach, soapy water, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and other possible liquid disinfectants).
• It is washable, waterproof, and resistant to gasoline/oil and nonflammable.
• The breaking stress of the straps is greater than 7.2 KN
• Storage temperature of -30°C to 70°C
• It is resistant to vibrations transmitted by the ambulance or possible blows.
• The materials used are compatible with biological tissues, cells, and bodily fluids, taking into account the intended purpose of the product.

A first non-limiting embodiment of the device of the invention is described below in reference to the attached figures.

A front view of the device (1) can be seen in Figure 1. In this figure, it can be seen that the device comprises a canvas (2), side straps (3), top straps (4), bottom straps (6) and a closure system (5).

The canvas (2) is trapezoid-shaped, is somewhat wider at its bottom part and narrower at the top so as to be adapted to the woman's anatomy. The measurements of the canvas (2) are: bottom part 45 cm, top part 40 cm and height 40 cm. This canvas (2) is the one that will be in contact with the newborn. It can be seen in Figure 5.

The two side straps (3), which are length-adjustable with respect to the mother's and newborn's measurements, extend from the sides of said canvas (2), in the bottom part. The measurements are 90 × 5 cm. The two other top straps (4), which are shorter than the side straps (3) and are fixed-length, extend from the top part of the canvas (2), with measurements of 5 × 5 cm. The side straps (3) and top straps (4) are joined to one another by an easy-to-open clip closure system (5) located in the front part of the woman's shoulder (one on each shoulder). See Figure 5.

The length adjustment system is positioned at the free ends of the side straps (3) which, once joined to the top straps (4), are located in the front part of the woman's shoulders. It is a quick adjustment system, once placed on the mother and with the baby positioned between the mother and the canvas, it is only necessary to pull on the free end thereof to tighten it and to pull on the other end while holding the adjustment element to loosen it.

As the side straps (3) are joined to the top straps (4) on their side or on the opposite side, it allows two securing possibilities, that is, crossed or not crossed. See Figures 6 and 7.

Other bottom straps (6) joined to one another by means of Velcro and being located on the mother's back extend from the sides of the side straps (3). These bottom straps (6) increase the securing of the device, especially when it is not possible to place the side straps (3) crossing one another, assuring the newborn's safety during transport. The measurements are 40 × 5 cm each. See Figures 6 and 7.

In Figure 5, the device (1) can be seen from the front and placed on the woman. One of the possible positions the newborn would adopt on the mother's chest, as well as the location of the clip closure (5) can also be seen.

A front view of a clip closure system, both opened and closed (already existing on the market) can be seen in Figures 3 and 4.

The device (1) is stowed in a of 5 × 20 × 30 cm bag (7). This bag (7) has handles (8) so that it can be readily carried and a zipper closure (9). See Figure 2.

The size of the bag (7) allows it to be readily stored in an ambulance and assures the conservation of the device (1) in perfect cleanliness conditions until use.

This device (1) is preferably applicable for the transport in an ambulance or medical helicopter of the mother and the newborn together, provided that the delivery has taken place in an outpatient setting and there have been no complications. It assures safely transporting the newborn together with the mother and allows skin-to-skin contact between the two, strengthening the mother-newborn bond. It also allows a healthcare professional to safely carry the newborn during transport in case the mother is unable to do so at that time.

A second non-limiting embodiment of the device of the invention is described below making reference to Figure 8. All the features described for the first embodiment are applicable to the second embodiment.

A front view of the second embodiment of the device (1') can be seen in Figure 8. In this figure, it can be seen that the device comprises a canvas (2'), side straps (3'), top straps (4'), bottom straps (6',10') and a closure system (5').

The two side straps (3'), which are length-adjustable, extend from the sides of said canvas (2') in the bottom part. The two top straps (4'), which are shorter than the side straps (3') and are fixed-length, extend from the top part of the canvas (2'). The side straps (3') and top straps (4') are joined to one another by an easy-to-open clip closure system (5) located in the front part of the woman's shoulder (one on each shoulder). See Figure 8 and Figure 5.

As the side straps (3') are joined to the top straps (4') on their side or on the opposite side, it allows two securing possibilities, that is, crossed or not crossed. See Figures 6 and 7.

Other bottom straps (6',10') joined to one another by means of a clip closure (5') and being located on the mother's back extend from the sides of the side straps (3'). These bottom straps (6',10') increase the securing of the device, especially when it is not possible to place the side straps (3') crossing one another, assuring the newborn's safety during transport.

The two top straps (4') extend from the top part of the canvas (2'), each one from a corner of the top part of the canvas (2'), and in an outward oblique direction with respect to the canvas (2'). The two side straps (3') extend from the bottom side parts of the canvas (2'), each one from a corner of the bottom side parts of the canvas (2'), and in an outward oblique direction with respect to the canvas (2'), such that the side straps (3') are preferably obliquely oriented so as to be connected with the top straps (4') going across the mother's back in a crossed manner.

The bottom straps (6', 10') extending from the side straps (3') are two pairs of straps. The first pair of bottom straps (6') comprises a bottom fixed-length strap extending from one of the side straps (3') and a length-adjustable bottom strap extending from the other one of the side straps (3'), the bottom straps (6') being joined to one another by means of the clip closure (5'). The second pair of bottom straps (10') also comprises a fixed-length bottom strap extending from one of the side straps (3') and a length-adjustable bottom strap extending from the other one of the side straps (3'). Each fixed-length bottom strap extends from one of the bottom sides of the canvas, and therefore each length-adjustable bottom strap also extends from one of the bottom sides of the canvas, all the bottom straps (6', 10') extending from the side straps (3'). The first pair of bottom straps (6') is thereby arranged in a bottom position with respect to the second pair of bottom straps (10'), such that when the device is in use, the bottom straps (6', 10') are arranged one above the other on the mother's back at the height of the waist.

The canvas (2') has folds (11') defining a cavity in the central part of the canvas (2') for covering up the newborn. The folds (11') are located in the central and bottom part of the canvas (2') and are back and forth seams with a bellows shape causing a dishing of the canvas (2') in its central region for positioning the newborn, improving the securing thereof. Furthermore, the cavity helps to prevent the need for using straps going over the canvas and possibly hurting the newborn.

The canvas (2') has holes (12') for transpiration of the newborn. The holes (12') are located in the top part of the canvas (2') and allow discharging excess heat that may be created in the inner region of the canvas by the skin-to-skin contact established between mother and newborn. The top location of the holes is suitable so as not to generate air streams through the central or bottom part of the inside of the canvas which may cool the newborn or the mother down.