Description
This is a vehicle positioning harness for children and adults with special needs such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Down Syndrome, Asperger’s disorder, developmental delay or other challenging behavioural needs where the person has problems with attention and safety. Providing safer travel and management of these loved ones when travelling in the car or other means of transport.
Alternatively, this harness can also be used to offer postural support and assist in seating the occupant in an upright sitting position for persons with physical disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy (CP) and other significant physical disabilities or complex needs where extra support and positioning is required during travel.
Fits most types of vehicle seating including low or high backed, and is used on aircraft seats by many leading airlines. The two transverse fixing straps do not interfere with the passenger behind using the drop down trays (depending on airline). It is recommended to seek permission from the airlines to use the Houdini 27 harness prior to departure.
The harness consists of a full body 5-point harness connected to a back pad which is fitted horizontally around the vehicle seat back with two horizontal fixing straps.
The Houdini 27 harness is identical to the Houdini 28 harness, except the mounting straps are different for different seats.
This vehicle harness is classed as a low risk medical device and carries the CE mark and complies with the requirements of MDD 93/42 EEC. Please note that this vehicle harness is not classed as safety harness but as a medical device for postural support. To comply with safety regulations, the vehicle safety belt must always be worn over the top of the harness. The combination of the existing vehicle safety belt and the secondary harness offers added security for the passenger.
It is advisable to carry out a safety and risk assessment to first consider the problems involved and what the situation would be if the passenger is not wearing a special needs harness. Could they be in danger to themselves and to other passengers in the vehicle or even other drivers on the road if they are not safely seated during travel?
Medifab strongly recommend that a safety webbing slicer is purchased with every vehicle harness and kept in the vehicle as a safety precaution.
Checklist
- Only suitable for single backrest seats eg: front vehicle seat, split rear backrest seats, bus and airline seats
- Attaching straps go horizontally around the rear of the seat it is installed on
- Full 5-point harness for good support (crotch strap between the legs doesn’t need to be used if not required)
- Access to rear of seat is necessary when installing
- Cross strap can be purchased for additional security of the shoulder straps (prevents the shoulder straps been pulled off)
- No gap required between seat and backrest
