Houdini Harness Guide

Frequently asked questions when prescribing vehicle harnesses:

Question: Are these harnesses NZ/AU safety approved?

Answer: Please note that this vehicle harness is not classed as safety harness but as a medical device for postural support. It must be worn in conjunction with the vehicle safety belt. It is classed as a Disabled Persons Restraints for postural support and as a low risk medical device it carries the CE mark and complies with the requirements of MDD 93/42 EEC.

Question: Do I require a tether point attachment?

Answer: No. The harnesses are simply strapped to the existing vehicle seat.

Question: Can I use the harness on an aeroplane?

Answer: Yes, however you must get written permission from the airline prior to departure.

Question: What do I do if there is no access behind the seat for the attaching straps, i.e. in the back seat of a sedan vehicle?

Answer: Cut some small slots in the rear carpet flap so the attaching straps can be threaded through. (The parcel shelf may have to be removed.)

Product	Type	Gap required between seat and backrest.	Can be fitted to user before entering vehicle	Suitable for single seat e.g. Front seat	Suitable for bench seat	Chest pad/ bib front	Comments
Houdini 13	Vehicle	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	All the buckles are behind the seat so the user cannot release them
Houdini 22	Vehicle	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Good option for Taxis. Torso section is clipped to user before entering vehicle. A second seat attaching strap can be purchased for another vehicle
Houdini 27	Vehicle	No	No	Yes	No	No	The cross strap can be purchased to hold shoulder straps in position. Can be used in an aircraft (permission must be obtained)
Houdini 28	Vehicle	Yes	No	Only a deep ‘bucket’ single seat or bench seats	Yes	No	The cross strap can be purchased to hold shoulder straps in position. If the back rest narrows, try Model 27.
Houdini 31	Vehicle	Yes	No	Only a deep ‘bucket’ single seat or bench seats	Yes	Yes	Medifab’s most secure harness. Bib front and twin anti-escape buckles secure the torso suitably.
Secure-Fix	Vehicle	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Padded chest strap	Easy to install. Chest strap requires magnetic key to release catch
Secure-Fix	Chair	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Padded chest strap	Chest strap and securing strap requires magnetic key to release catch.
Carrot Car Seat with anti-escape buckles	Vehicle	No	No	Yes	Yes	Anterior pad	This growth adjustable booster-style car seat is a popular choice for 3 – 12 year olds.

Houdini Harness Checklist

Questions	Product suggestions
Does your client require a vehicle harness for Intellectual disability (to prevent escaping)	Models: 13, 22, 27, 28 or 31. Use the shoulder cross strap to prevent the straps slipping off the shoulders if necessary.
Does your client require a vehicle harness for Physical disability (to provide additional posture support)	Model 27 or 28. Ask us for a standard vehicle press-release buckle if necessary.
Level of client motor skills or coordination: (for clients requiring escape proof buckles) Very fine Limited No fine motor skills	Very fine = Ask us regarding a custom upgrade to a magnetic release system Limited = Use the Metal Anti-Escape buckle (comes standard on Models 27, 28 and 31) We also recommend the shoulder cross strap used in conjunction with the harness of choice. No fine motor skills = Ask for a standard vehicle press-release buckle if necessary.
Is the harness going to be installed on a: Single seat (e.g. front seat or 1 person backrest) Bench seat Deep contoured single seat	Single seat = Models 13 or 27 Bench seat = Models 22, 28 or 31 Deep contoured single seat = Model 22 or 28
What vehicle is the harness going to be installed in: Taxi (e.g. for school travel) Using in multiple vehicles One vehicle only	Taxi = Models 22, 28 or 31 Using in multiple vehicles = Model 22 One vehicle only = Any harness from the range.