LAUREL, Mont. – In an effort to ensure children’s safety on the road, Laurel Emergency Services has initiated a unique program that transforms recycled cans into car seats for families in need.
The program involves collecting cans at Laurel EMS and transporting them to Pacific Steel in Billings. The funds generated from selling these recyclables, along with other fundraising efforts, are used to purchase car seats for the community’s children.
Mandi Crable, an EMT with Laurel EMS, plays a crucial role in this initiative. “It’s definitely rewarding to know that kids are safer,” she said. Crable frequently transports the collected cans and delivers purchased car seats to county car seat safety checks.
Last year, over 160 car seats were distributed in Yellowstone County, and this year, dozens more have been given away. The car seat checks occur monthly at Billings AMR and quarterly with Laurel EMS through Safe Kids Yellowstone County.
Crable emphasized the importance of these events. “It’s amazing to have that ability to help ensure that kids are safe and help educate parents,” Crable stated. “A lot of what we do at these car safety checks is to help educate parents on car seat safety.”
According to Safe Kids, approximately 80% of car seats inspected in Yellowstone County are installed incorrectly, posing potential risks. Proper use of car seats can significantly reduce injuries. “When car seats are used correctly, just for infants alone the injury reduction is 70%, toddlers and school-age children is a 60% reduction of injuries,” noted a representative.
For those interested, a car seat safety check is scheduled for tomorrow from 5-7 pm at the Laurel Ambulance Barn at the Public Safety Complex.
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