Updates from MESA – Winter 2025
Two MESA Team Members Now ‘Car Seat Certified’
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about half of all child car seats are installed incorrectly, significantly reducing their effectiveness in a crash. Proper car seat installation is essential to help children stay safe when traveling in a vehicle and maximizing protection.
Earlier this year, two Municipal Emergency Services Authority of Lancaster County (MESA) team members became “Car Seat Certified,” which is a national certification for technicians who teach people how to use car seats correctly.
To be Car Seat Certified means to have completed extensive training covering the proper installation, use, and selection of car seats for various ages and vehicles. Car Seat Certified individuals are knowledgeable about state laws, different types of car seats (rear-facing, forward-facing, boosters), and how to accommodate special needs. Certification requires passing both written and hands-on examinations and is typically renewed every two years through continuing education.
Make a Car Seat Inspection Visit
Offering car seat inspections is one more way MESA helps keep our community safe!
MESA is now accepting appointments for car seat inspections. During a car seat inspection visit, MESA will:
- Review your car seat’s history to ensure it hasn’t been recalled, isn’t expired, and wasn’t involved in a moderate-to-severe crash.
- Demonstrate proper installation using your specific car and seat, including checking for tightness (less than one inch of movement side-to-side and front-to-back at the belt path) and correct angle.
- Verify the harness fit on your child, ensuring the chest clip is at armpit level and the straps are snug against the child’s body.
- Answer any questions and practice installation with you so you feel confident doing it yourself.
MESA also has a limited supply of car seats available, donated by the American Trauma Society, for families who lack financial resources or have an immediate need due to an accident that damaged a car seat.
For more information or to schedule a car seat inspection, call MESA at 717-361-8220. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 9 am to 3 pm.
Attention Paramedics, AEMTs and EMTs: Apply Now
MESA is hiring full-time, day-shift paramedics, AEMTs and EMTs! If you want to work in a welcoming and family-like environment with competitive pay, benefits and time-off, we may be the right fit for you. Visit www.mesalancasterpa.gov to learn more and complete an application.
