Child Passenger Safety classes offered by Sunstar Paramedics

With automobile crashes being the number-one killer in the country of children between one and 12 years old, learning how to properly install and use a car seat can save a life. In partnership with the Pinellas County Safe Kids Coalition and All Children’s Hospital, Sunstar Paramedics is offering free Child Passenger Safety classes taught by a nationally certified Child Passenger Safety technician.

The U.S. Department of Transportation recommends children from birth to 12 months or older ride in a rear-facing seat, until they reach the height and weight limit allowed by that car seat’s manufacturer. Once a child outgrows a rear-facing car seat, they can travel in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until they reach the seat’s height and weight limit and can move to a booster seat. Florida state law requires children 3-years-old and under to be restrained in a car seat.

To ensure every child travels safely, the program offers car seats at a reduced cost for those that meet program criteria (currently on Medicaid or WIC). This benefit is limited to one car seat per child. 

Parents, guardians, and anyone responsible for transporting a child are encouraged to sign-up online at www.Allkids.org/CarSeats. For questions about the program, call 727-582-2056 or email Charlene Cobb through Sunstar Paramedics’ website: www.SunstarEMS.com/Child-Passenger-Safety.

These classes are also offered at the Sunstar Paramedics headquarters at 12490 Ulmerton Road in Largo on October 4 and December 6.