Different types of beds

Simple Hospital Bed

Working Specification:

• Simple Hospital Bed frame made from 25mm X 50mm x 1.22mm(18 SWG) M.S. rectangular tubes, which it makes rigid Medical Bed.
• Three-section top made from 1.22mm(18 SWG) sheets. Uniformly perforated, Suitably fitted to the top.
• I. V. Location and urine bag hook provided.
• Bows, legs made from 1.25” Ø x 1.22mm (18 SWG) pipes & Nylon unbreakable shoes for legs.
• Pre-treated in seven tanks chemical process and Epoxy powder coated,which makes it uncorrosive Medical equipment / Hospital Furniture.

Fowler Hospital Bed

Working Specification:

• Size: - 198 cm (78") x - 84cm(33") x H - 56cm(22")
• The main frame made from 25mm x 50mm x 1.22mm (18 SWG) M.S. rectangular tubes, Which it makes rigid & sturdy Medical furniture / Hospital Furniture.
• Four-section top made from 1.22mm (18 SWG) Sheets.
• Uniformly perforated, Suitably fitted to the top.
• I.V. location and urine bag hook provided.
• Backrest, knee rest maneuvered by screw system. Provided with thrust ball bearing. Both screws easily wind able by independent handle.
• Bows, legs made from 1.25 dia. x 1.22mm (18 SWG) Pipes.
• Nylon unbreakable shoes for legs.
• MS Material Pre-treated in seven tanks chemical process & epoxy powder coated, which it makes uncorrosive Medical Equipment.

Semi Fowler Hospital Bed

Working Specification: Size: - 182 cm (72") x - 84cm (33") x H - 56cm (22") Mainframe made from 25mm x 50mm x 1.22mm (18 SWG) M.S. rectangular tubes, which it makes sturdy Medical Furniture / Hospital Furniture. Three-section top made from 1.22mm (18 SWG) sheets. Uniformly perforated suitably fitted to the top. I. V. location and urine bag hook provided. Backrest, maneuvered by screw system. Provided with thrust ball bearing. Bows, legs made from 1.25” dia x 1.22mm (18 SWG) pipes. Nylon unbreakable shoes for legs. MS Material Pre-treated in seven tanks chemical process & epoxy powder coated, which It makes uncorrosive Medical Bed. Relative Hospital Bed    Working Specification: Size: -182 cm (72") x - 68cm (27") x H - 56cm (22") The main frame made from 25mm X 50mm x 1.22mm (18 SWG) M.S. rectangular tubes, which it makes rigid Hospital Furniture. Three-section top made from 1.22mm (18 SWG) sheets. Uniformly perforated, suitably fitted to the top. Legs made from 1.25” dia x 1.22mm (18 SWG) pipes. Nylon unbreakable shoes for legs. MS Material Pre-treated in seven tanks chemical process & epoxy powder coated, which it makes uncorrosive Reletive Bed. Pediatric Hospital Bed Working Specification: Size: -137 cm (54") x – 76 cm (30") x H - 56cm (22") The main frame made from 25mm X 50mm x 1.22mm (18 SWG) M.S. rectangular tubes, which it makes rigid & sturdy Hospital Furniture. Two-section top made from 1.22mm (18 SWG) sheets. Uniformly perforated, suitably fitted to the top. I. V. Location and urine bag hook provided. Bows, legs made from 1.25” dia x 1.22mm (18 SWG) pipes. Drop down type side railing. Nylon unbreakable shoes for legs. Pre-treated in seven tanks chemical process & epoxy powder coated, which it makes uncorrosive Medical Furniture/ Medical Equipment.

Emergency Crash Cart Content Checklist

An emergency crash cart is a wheeled chest of drawers that stores lifesaving equipment, drugs, or anything that will be required in the event of a medical emergency. This write-up provides an emergency crash cart content checklist.

The term 'Code Blue' refers to a situation when a patient in a hospital requires resuscitation or immediate medical attention due to a life-threatening situation such as a respiratory or cardiac arrest. For such situations, a well-stocked crash cart (code cart) is placed in emergency rooms. Basically, a crash cart is a specially designed wheeled chest of drawers, or a trolley that contains life-saving drugs and equipment. Carts are often positioned in intensive care units/emergency rooms, or places where these are easily accessible to the doctors. The contents of a crash cart help the doctors handle an emergency.

There's no denying the fact that time is of great essence in such situations, which is why these carts are built in such a way that they can be readily moved to the emergency site. The doctors and nurses involved in such cases have to be familiar with the contents of the cart so that the emergency is handled properly. They have to be trained in life support protocols such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support/Advance Life Support (ACLS/ALS) and Pediatric Advanced life Support (PALS). It must be noted that the contents of an emergency cart can slightly vary from hospital to hospital. However, the cart mainly contains life-saving drugs, IV solutions and tubing, breathing equipment, defibrillator, procedure trays, other medical supplies, etc. The arrangement of the drugs and the emergency equipment could also vary, depending on the institution and the type of cart. The number of drawers present in a cart can vary from 3 to 7.

Contents of the Emergency Crash Carts

➠ Placed on top of the crash cart is the defibrillator, which administers an electric shock of a certain voltage to the heart so as to restore the normal rhythm of the heart in the event of a cardiac arrest. Other items that are placed on the shelf, containers, and the left side include defibrillator pads, latex gloves, stethoscope, BVM masks, sharps container, oxygen, inventory checklist/Code Blue sheets, etc. A cardiac board is often placed on the rear.

➠ The first drawer contains emergency or ACLS first-line, rapid sequence drugs such as epinephrine, atropine, amiodarone, lidocaine, nitroglycerin, diazepam, naloxone, sodium bicarbonate, dopamine, and vasopressin.

➠ Pediatric medication and IV solutions might be placed in the second drawer.

➠ The adult intubation supplies are mostly placed in the third drawer. These include endotracheal tubes, tracheostomy tube, ambu bag, oral airways, pressure cuffs, carbon dioxide detector, suction catheters, nasal cannulas, laryngoscope, forceps, guidewire, bulbs, blades, batteries, straight and curved blade, syringe, lubricant, adhesive tape, exam gloves, IV cannulas, disposable syringes, etc.

➠The infant and pediatric intubation supplies are placed in the fourth drawer. Pediatric doses of emergency drugs, and small-sized endotracheal tubes, blood pressure cuffs, oxygen masks, cannulas, etc., can be found in this drawer.

➠ The fifth drawer contains IV supplies (cannulas, drip sets, fluids) and blood draw supplies. It usually contains catheters, tourniquets, syringes, tubes, and tape.

➠ Intravenous solutions, tubing, and different types of surgical kits are usually placed in the last drawer.

Crash Cart Checklist



Top, Side, and Rear of the Cart

• ◻ Defibrillator/Cardiac Monitor
• ◻ Defibrillator pads
• ◻ Latex gloves
• ◻ Eye protection
• ◻ Adult and pediatric multi-function electrodes
• ◻ 5 in 1 connector and 02 tubing
• ◻ Adult and pediatric BVM with masks
• ◻ Surgical cone masks
• ◻ Oxygen tank and gauge
• ◻ Cart inventory list
• ◻ Defibrillator gel
• ◻ Sharps container
• ◻ Code blue forms
• ◻ Procedures sheet
• First Drawer (Medications)
• ◻ Adenosine 6mg/2ml vial
• ◻ Amiodarone 150 mg/3ml vial
• ◻ Atropine 1mg/10 ml syringe
• ◻ Calcium chloride 1g/10 ml syringe
• ◻ Dopamine 400 mg/250 ml IV bag
• ◻ Epinephrine 1 mg/10 ml (1:10,000) syringe
• ◻ Flumazenil
• ◻ Lidocaine 100 mg 5ml syringes
• ◻ Lidocaine 2 g/250 ml IV bag
• ◻ Dextrose 50% 0.5 mg/ml 50 ml syringe
• ◻ Diphenhydramine 50mg/ml vial
• ◻ Sodium bicarbonate 50mEq/50 ml syringe
• ◻ Sodium chloride 0.9% 10 ml vial
• ◻ Sterile water Injection 20 ml vial
• ◻ Vasopressin 20 units/ml 1 ml vial

Second Drawer (Pediatric Medications and IV Solutions)

• ◻ Atropine 0.5 mg/ 5 ml syringe
• ◻ Sodium bicarbonate 10 mEq/10 ml (8.4%) syringe
• ◻ Saline flush syringes
• ◻ Sodium chloride 0.9% 10 ml flush syringe
• ◻ Sodium chloride 0.9% 100 ml IV bag
• ◻ Dextrose 5% 250 ml IV bag
• ◻ Sodium chloride 0.9% 1000 ml IV bag

Third Drawer (Adult Intubation Supplies)

• ◻ Endotracheal tubes of different sizes
• ◻ Nasopharyngeal airway
• ◻ Intubation tray
• ◻ Suction catheters
• ◻ Batteries: size C and D
• ◻ Tongue depressor
• ◻ Kelly clamp with rubber tip
• ◻ Carbon dioxide indicator
• ◻ Flashlight
• ◻ Forceps and syringes
• ◻ Laryngoscope blades
• ◻ Laryngoscope handle

Fourth Drawer (Pediatric Intubation Supplies)

• ◻ Endotracheal tubes of different sizes
• ◻ Pediatric/Neonatal stylet
• ◻ Laryngoscope blades
• ◻ Batteries: size AA
• ◻ Laryngoscope handle
• ◻ Forceps
• ◻ Airways of different sizes
• ◻ Huggable ECG electrode
• ◻ BP cuff with sphygmomanometer and BP Bulb
• ◻ Nasopharyngeal airway
• ◻ Armboards
• ◻ Spinal needle
• ◻ Insyte autoguard
• ◻ Swabsticks
• ◻ Infant feeding tube
• ◻ Umbilical vessel catheter
• ◻ Bone marrow needle (15 G, 18G)
• ◻ Suction catheter kits

Fifth Drawer (Circulation)

• ◻ IV start kit
• ◻ Normal saline and Ringer's lactate, and Dextrose5% Water
• ◻ Angiocath
• ◻ 3-way stopcocks
• ◻ Heparinized aspirators
• ◻ Blood tubes
• ◻ Syringes and non-coring Huber needles
• ◻ Luer lock syringes
• ◻ Tourniquet tubing
• ◻ Insyte autoguard of different sizes
• ◻ Spinal needle and other needles
• ◻ Tape
• ◻ Vacutainers
• ◻ Arterial blood sampling kit
• ◻ Macrodrip, microdrip, and extension tubing
• ◻ Armboard

Sixth Drawer (Procedure Trays)

• ◻ ECG electrodes
• ◻ Surgeon's gloves
• ◻ Sutures
• ◻ Disp. needle holder
• ◻ Yankauer suction
• ◻ Sterile field
• ◻ Salem sump
• ◻ Syringe (10 or 12 cc)
• ◻ Sponges
• ◻ Adult/Pediatric cut down pack
• ◻ Cricothyroidotomy pack

It must be noted that the arrangement of the equipment and the drugs in a crash cart could vary, depending on the policy of the hospital. In fact, for pediatric population, the drawers of the cart are color-coded, based on the Broselow Pediatric Emergency Tape. The drawers are organized as per the patient's length and weight range. The drawer contains the drugs in the pediatric doses and the equipment and supplies for resuscitation are appropriately sized for the child in that specific weight range.

Instructions Related to Crash Cart Use

Carts are of three types. These include adult crash carts, pediatric crash carts, and newborn intensive care crash carts. The guidelines for crash cart use that need to be followed by the hospitals and clinics include:

➠ The crash carts have to be conveniently placed near the emergency rooms, treatment rooms for anaphylaxis, etc.

➠ There has to be an inventory of medications, equipment, and IV fluids listed by the contents of each drawer in the carts.

➠ The inventory of the crash cart items, such as the drugs and the IV fluids, should contain the name, strength, and amount of the drug along with its expiration date.

➠ The inventory of the crash cart contents has to be checked on a monthly basis to check for the IV fluids and drugs and their expiration date.

➠ The drugs need to be replaced before the expiration date.

➠ In case of a battery-assisted equipment, batteries need to be checked.

➠ Defibrillator load checks must be performed once daily, with the defibrillator plugged in, as well as unplugged.

➠ The defibrillator should be checked on a daily basis, and it has to be documented.

➠ If changes are made to the cart's contents, the drug and equipment inventory list needs to be updated.

➠ The crash cart must be locked or should have an integrity seal.

➠ If the seal of the cart is broken, the reason for the same needs to be documented, with the necessary details such as the date, time, individual's initials, and the new lock or seal number.

➠ The oxygen tanks must be secured to the side of the cart.

➠ If the oxygen tank is empty, oxygen cylinders need to be replaced.

➠ Drawers of the crash cart need to be clearly labeled.

On a concluding note, it is extremely essential that carts are well-stocked with all the necessary drugs and equipment to ensure that the doctors are able to confidently handle emergencies. A licensed official is designated for the purpose of checking the defibrillator, oxygen cylinder levels, and the other contents of the crash cart. He/She is also responsible for rechecking and restocking the cart following its use. He is also responsible for documenting compliance on crash cart checklist. In fact, code drills are often conducted to check the response of the staff during such situations.

Disclaimer: The aforementioned checklist for crash cart supplies is intended for informational purposes only. It provides just the basic supplies and equipment required for medical emergencies, and the items can vary from hospital to hospital.

How to Choose a Pulse Oximeter

Selection of any medical device must be done very carefully to obtain accurate test results. Read this article to know about the various points to be taken under consideration when buying a pulse oximeter for a patient.

Buying an inaccurate pulse oximeter for the measurement of oxygen saturation of the blood and heart rate may lead to dangerous outcomes. A patient's health can be at risk if, the device gives faulty results. Therefore, buying a good device giving accurate results is extremely important. This medical device is used extensively in hospitals and by people who require regular monitoring of the above mentioned health parameters.

• Patients suffering from medical conditions like asthma and Chronic Pulmonary Obstructive Disease (COPD), often use this device to monitor oxygen levels because low oxygen levels in the blood of such patients can be extremely dangerous, and sometimes can prove to be fatal.
• Athletes who engage in extensive training and workout sessions need to monitor their blood oxygen levels to check for sudden drop of oxygen in the blood.
• Pilots flying airplanes which are not pressurized to maintain oxygen levels, use a pulse oximeter to check if oxygen supplements are needed.
• Mountaineers climb high altitudes. In those environment, oxygen content in the atmosphere is less as compared to lower altitudes. An oximeter helps them to conveniently monitor their blood oxygen levels.

As all of these people have reasons to use a pulse oximeter to monitor their state of health, getting the best device in terms of accuracy and ease of use, is extremely necessary. So, let's see how you can select a device that meets all the user requirements.

Parameters for Choosing a Pulse Oximeter

Manufacturer
Pulse oximeters are manufactured by several companies. The point to consider here is the reputation of the manufacturer. Buy the device from a well-known manufacturer to feel rest assured about the quality standards maintained during the manufacturing process.

Size
The device is available in large and small sizes. If you are buying an oximeter for a hospital setting, a large-sized device will be good, but if it is required for personal use, a smaller one will serve the purpose.

Type
Pulse oximeters are of various types. Adult oximeters are used for adults whereas, pediatric oximeters are intended for children. Hand-held devices are preferred by individuals who take their own readings, while sleep unit apnea oximeters are used to monitor blood oxygen levels during a sleep study conducted on sleep apnea patients. So, analyze your need and purchase the device accordingly.

Accuracy
Accuracy is a critical parameter that must be kept in mind while looking for the right oximeter. As mentioned before, inaccurate analysis of vital parameters can be extremely dangerous. To find the level of accuracy of the device, you can take two simultaneous readings, one with the product you are checking out, and the other with an already established accurate device. Similar readings in both oximeters will confirm the accuracy of the device under study.

Alarm
Oxygen level of blood and heart rate are often continuously monitored in patients with serious illnesses. Oximeters used in these cases are usually equipped with alarms which ring each time the blood oxygen level drops below the normal level. This feature is extremely helpful for the caregiver, as immediate action can be taken. If the need be, an oximeter with an alarm setting can be a good choice.

Portability
Think, is oximeter portability something you need? Some devices are portable and some are not. If you want the device to be with you all the time, and you need to carry it in your pocket or purse, a small-sized, easy-to-use portable oximeter must be your pick.

Reviews
Look for product reviews either online or ask people you know who are already using the device. Taking a physician's recommendation can also help in selecting a good quality oximeter. Many websites mention reviews on various products. Going through them can help in understanding which brand is more popular for use.

Price
First thing to note here is that, a high price does not always guarantee a good product. Devices available in the market, differ a lot in price. Some cost less than hundred dollars, while some are worth a couple of thousand. Therefore, decide the features you want and the amount of money you are willing to spend. With these things clear in mind, there should be no confusion in choosing an oximeter.

Warranty Period
Confirm the warranty period for the product. Some companies offer a one year warranty and some offer two. It is wise to choose an oximeter which is covered under a two-year warranty period so that you get a longer period of coverage. You don't have to worry about whom to contact if there is a problem with the device.

Refund facility
Ask whether the refund facility is available or not. What if you buy the device and later find that it does not work properly? Therefore, buy the oximeter from a manufacturer who is ready to refund the money if, their product fails to work after opening the pack.

Convenience
For people who are going to operate the oximeter on their own, the highest priority must be to check if the device is easy to use. Buying a device that is difficult to use will be a waste of money.

Online availability
Pulse oximeters can also be bought online. Through the Internet, it is possible to check the specifications and price of the devices that are available in the market. Many manufacturers also have special offers to increase the sales of their product. This can be an advantage, if you have already studied a product and want to save some money through online shopping.

Manual Testing
If you get a chance, try to use the oximeter manually before you make the purchase, and measure the blood oxygen saturation and pulse. In this way, you can check whether the device is working properly or not.

A pulse oximeter is clipped onto a finger, covering the nail portion to take the readings. You can either compare its accuracy with another device or share the pulse oximeter readings with a physician who will be able to judge the device quality. By conducting a thorough research on various devices available in the market and by studying the above parameters, you will be able to pick the best device for use.

Home Medical Equipment

Systems or devices supporting those with disabilities, physical limitations and old people unable to carry out routine tasks, are termed as home medical equipment.

Home medical equipment (HME) or durable medical equipment (DME) refers to equipment used by people with medical conditions, physical limitations, disabilities and senior citizens. The home equipment category comprises devices used for patients who are being cared for by non-professionals or family members at home and not a medical institution. As these equipment are used by family members or non-professionals on a repetitive basis, these are also known as durable medical equipment. 

Medical supplies such as bandages, irrigating kits, rubber gloves, etc cannot be considered as HME. Home medical equipment is defined as a medically essential; durable equipment, prescribed by the doctor to fill a medical need and appropriate for use in a home. Equipment that falls under this category are air purifiers, air ionizers, nebulizers, oxygen tents, iron lungs, hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers, seat lifts, patient lifts, oxygen concentrators, artificial limbs, diabetic shoes, crutches, elevating toilet seats, prosthesis, respiratory assist devices, positive airway pressure devices, dynamic splints, bath safety products, etc.

The patient is required to have a doctor's prescription for the equipment needed, however, this is not essential for minor equipment such as canes or walkers. Typically, these home care medical equipment are covered by the patient's healthcare insurance (including Medicare Part B). Often family members discover that the particular equipment is covered under the insurance after it's too late. One can even rent equipment, however, Medicare covers rental charges for only 15 months. HME can be rented for a period beyond 15 months, however, Medicare does not cover the rental charges for it.

Mostly the doctor recommends the supplier for the HME. The doctor knows the patient's physical and overall health condition, and thus provides complete medical prescription with necessary details. For patients discharged from the hospital, a 'discharge planner' will follow the doctor's instructions, and guide the patient regarding the different suppliers available. He will even contact the supplier chosen by the patient's caregiver. 

The supplier then contacts the doctor directly and finds out everything about the patient's medical condition, and makes arrangements to deliver the particular equipment home. The HME supplier has an inventory of these equipment, and is more like a pharmacy store. Thus, the delivery does not take time. The supplier will even set up the equipment at home, after checking if the home environment is safe for the equipment. He will even demonstrate the working and make sure the patient and the caregiver understands its working. 

If the equipment includes any dangerous aspects, this also will be explained by the supplier. The patient and family members will be given a 24-hour contact number, wherein they can call in case of an emergency due to the malfunctioning of the equipment. The supplier will provide maintenance services such as servicing, refilling oxygen, etc. on a periodic basis. He will also notify the family regarding any alterations in the insurance. 

According to Medicare rules, suppliers need to sell equipment to people within a particular vicinity, so that they can deliver supplies as well as maintain the HME in a timely fashion. In the US, several HME suppliers are available, thus patients can receive the HME from local suppliers in their immediate area, without any difficulty. Today, with the advent of internet technology, online retailers are available selling HME. 

Patients, family members, and caregivers must be alert and aware of medical equipment, as well as Medicare fraud. Purchasing HME from door-to-door salesmen should be strictly avoided. One must also keep away from suppliers who try to contact the patient before the doctor or discharge planner gets in touch. Since suppliers cannot know the exact requirements of the patient before contacting the doctor, it is advisable to contact them through a doctor or discharge planner only.

Medical Equipment Repair Training

The health care and medical field is one of the highest paid professions in the industry. If one has a liking for entering the medical field, but in a technical profession, he obligatorily needs to go through medical equipment repair training...

There are several types of medical equipment in hospitals, which are meant for helping doctors and nurses for carrying out the treatment, and taking good care of the patients. If there is something wrong in the devices, it can lead to severe problems which can even cause the patient to die. In such cases, medical equipment repair technicians come to the rescue. They are responsible for checking if the equipment and devices are functioning efficiently to provide the needed services and information to the doctors and patients. They are also called Bio medical Equipment Technicians (BMET), and ascertain the safety and accuracy of all mechanical and electronic devices incorporated in medical care facilities.

These technicians have detailed knowledge of the working for all medical equipment. They carry out installation processes that include assembling important parts and components together. They have some specialized tools which are used for testing the efficient functioning of the medical devices. They fine-tune the devices and make some important adjustments for optimal performance, and repair the devices if needed. BMETs are also experts in imparting training to nurses, doctors, and medical assistants.

If a person is skilled in mechanics and is looking for a career in the health care industry, this field is the best alternative for him to opt for. For this purpose, he has to select an associates degree such as Associate of Science (AS) in bio medical equipment engineering technology, which is a 2-year course. He may also choose to undergo training from military hospital facilities, or enroll in a BS of Science in the same field.

The AS and BS degrees in bio medical equipment engineering technology include a thorough knowledge and understanding of how medical equipment work, and the required steps to repair them if they dysfunction. The students are specifically taught all about X-ray machines, body scanners, heart monitors, ventilators, cardiac pacemakers, defibrillators, and some other important life-saving machines. Medical equipment are very sophisticated and complicated to know about, so it is very important for a student to totally dedicate himself to learning. Students well-versed in mechanics would find the subjects interesting, and enjoy this type of career.

The coursework principally covers up the use of latest computer technologies, detailed network and circuit studies, basic knowledge of the human body, and specialized studies and research on bio medical equipment. Students will also be trained on how to troubleshoot common possible problems, systems analysis, bio medical nomenclature, and schematic drawing. There are some studies on 'technical mathematics' and 'medical instrumentation' included in the course, which would certainly help the medical technician to carry out his job efficaciously.

There are some training's which lead to an entry in an associate's or a bachelor's degree in medical equipment engineering. Such training's may differ from school to school, and state to state. When the students successfully complete their degree and get a job in hospitals or health care facilities, they are first required to undertake 'on-the-job' training from professionals who have many years of experience in the related field, which may last for some months. Graduates may also work in the precision instrument repair field, and with significant experience they can earn approximately $20-$35 per hour, depending upon the services they provide.

Nowadays, schools are receiving huge response from individuals who want to join such training programs, due to the strong growth potential of this field in the coming years. Individuals who have an inclination towards the medical field along with some technical and mechanical knowledge can certainly register for medical equipment repair training programs.