Trained and Teched

September 9, 2016 was a culmination of 240 hours worth of training, when Rice County Coalition hosted a Car Seat Safety Event in Lyons, KS.

Ten new safety technicians trained for 3 days on all things car seats and kids safety at the Rice County EMS building.

"I felt that I had educated myself quite well on how to keep children safe, from doing research, reading articles, watching videos, but I still learned quite a bit in this class," said Katie Marcum, a now certified Safe Kids Technician.

The training, provided by Safe Kids, hosted three different instructors, all certified by Safe Kids and Kansas Department of Transportation.

"What's great about the Safe Kids program is that it is nation wide. The standards taught include education on the most recent recalls and more," said Alvin Sowers, Certified Safe Kids Trainer.

The training required technicians to install and uninstall many seats. "It is quite the workout climbing in and out of vehicles, in the back to make sure things are latched correctly, and then back to the front," said Jessica Enfield, a now certified Safe Kids Technician. Technicians are taught to check vehicle and car seat manuals to confirm the appropriate use of each, then teach the vehicle owner how to install it, remove it, and have the owner reinstall themselves.

The Coalition provides a monthly seat check for families every third Tuesday, including free car seats to those who are in need and qualify.

The free car seats are thanks to a partnership with South Central Community Foundation and the Rice County Sheriff's office.

The technician training was thanks to a partnership with the city of Lyons, KS and Walmart of Great Bend, KS.

To schedule an appointment to get your seat checked, contact the coalition at (620) 204-0853.