Author: Josh Kasper

According to the American Heart Association, about 356,000 Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) cases happen outside of the hospital in the U.S., and about 90% of these cases result in death.

The American Heart Association has developed a chain of survival that includes six crucial steps to saving someone’s life.

1) Activation of Emergency Response
2) Early CPR
3) Rapid Defibrillation
4) Advanced Resuscitation by Emergency Medical Services
5) Post Cardiac Arrest Care
6) Recovery

Immediate Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, or CPR, is crucial to saving a life. When someone experiences SCA, their heart stops beating, keeping oxygenated blood from moving throughout the body, including the heart, lungs, and brain. Each minute after the SCA without oxygen flow through the body decreases survival odds by approximately 10%.

The second step in the Chain of Survival, Early CPR, will usually be performed manually before a defibrillating shock is administered. Although they can be used before administering a shock, Automated Compression Devices can play a role during step four, Advanced Resuscitation by EMS personnel. Advanced resuscitation by EMS often involves CPR while transporting a patient on a stretcher or in an ambulance for an extended time before getting to a hospital.

CPR involves two steps: giving chest compressions and administering breaths. Chest compressions are the most essential part of CPR, and we’ll focus on them here. When performed at the proper depth and rate, chest compressions help keep the blood flowing in a victim’s body and immediately improve survival chances.

A retrospective study analyzed a data set from one million EMS incidents in 2018, specifically looking at the impact of automated compression devices in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.

These chest compression devices are an efficient tool to free up hands to continue a rescue. These devices have seen the most impact in teams of 2. Often when it comes to manual chest compressions, healthcare professionals will have to rotate to rest to provide the best compressions possible. After 10-20 minutes, fatigue wears down rescuers and, consequently, the quality of compressions.¹

When performed correctly, chest compressions are very physically demanding on the caregiver. Fatigue sets in for even the most experienced paramedics and first responders, who need to rotate every two minutes during extended periods of CPR. Fatigue leads to sub-optimal compressions, which can have a very detrimental impact on the victim’s already-low survival odds.

Why use a mechanical compression device?

In an effort to save more lives, reduce the strain on their paramedics, and free up a pair of hands on a rescue, many large and small EMS companies began integrating automatic CPR into their protocols in 2022. One example of an Automated Chest Compression device is the Lifeline ARM, which retails at approximately half the cost of the leading competitor.

In order to ensure quality compression depth and rate, the Lifeline ARM’s software-controlled motor algorithm compensates for variability in chest resistance. This allows rescuers to confidently administer CPR without risking poor-quality compressions.

While this article focuses on chest compressions, another element of CPR is pausing for resuscitation breaths. The device can chirp and flash an LED light when pausing for breaths, alerting the rescuer. Not all practices include breath pauses in their quality CPR protocol, but the ARM lets you switch between “breath” or “no breath” based on your local protocol.

Automated compression devices like the ARM can fit around the patient on most stretchers, allowing quality compressions while transporting the patient and in transit. The ARM’s rugged and lasting battery provides consistent compressions over a long time, and the unit can continue to charge and run on AC power while in the vehicle. Batteries are hot-swappable and can be inserted in multiple orientations for tactical battery reloads with almost no downtime.

Quality compressions save lives, and extended manual compressions lead to a decrease in quality. Chest compression devices lead to less downtime, reliable, smart compressions, and more lives saved.

Have any questions about the Defibtech ARM? Our team is here to provide an answer! To learn about our best price or bulk discounts, request a quote here. Or contact us today to speak to our friendly and knowledgeable team at 866.417.2546 or salessupport@mmemed.com. We can’t wait to save lives together!

¹-Kłosiewicz T, Puślecki M, Zalewski R, Sip M, Perek B. The impact of automatic chest compression devices in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. J Thorac Dis. 2020 May;12(5):2220-2227. DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2020.04.25. PMID: 32642127; PMCID: PMC7330409.

 

In light of Damar Hamlin’s survival of a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (specifically, Commotio Cordis), now more than ever is the time to speak on the need for lifesaving equipment in sports settings.

Commotio Cordis is very rare — in fact, just over 200 cases have been reported to the U.S. Commotio Cordis registry since the mid-1990s. It’s a condition where an impact to the upper portion of the chest at a specific instance during the heartbeat can disrupt the heart, causing a Sudden Cardiac Arrest. This condition is much less common than a normal SCA, but all forms of Cardiac Arrest require CPR and defibrillation equipment. Otherwise, life could be at risk before the ambulance arrives.

What causes young, healthy athletes to go into sudden cardiac arrest? Sometimes, when an athlete suffers an SCA, it’s partially due to an undetected heart condition. Approximately one in three hundred youth have a hidden heart condition that can put them at risk, and Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. But sometimes, SCAs can occur in athletes or individuals with no underlying heart conditions or history of cardiac issues. These conditions and emergency events for athletes have little-to-no warning signs and, if not dealt with in a matter of minutes, can cause permanent damage or death.

Since we cannot screen athletes for the potential for SCAs with 100% accuracy, spectators, parents, coaches, and trainers should prepare in case of an emergency.

What can be done to prepare?

For non-medical professionals (Parents, coaches, teachers, etc.)
1). Be Equipped with an AED:
Certain emergency events require specific equipment. The only way to reset the heart’s rhythm for a Sudden Cardiac Arrest is a shock from an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). AEDs can have a variety of bells and whistles, but all perform the same essential functions. All AEDs guide non-professionals through the steps of SCA event response with prompts and audio instructions. Some AEDs have more features, with built-in pediatric settings, multi-language instructions, or CPR feedback to guide proper compression depth and rate.

2). Be Equipped with an emergency kit:
To be prepared for non-cardiac emergencies in an athletic setting, we recommend a trauma response or bleeding control kit. We offer a variety of emergency response kits, ranging from professional grade to simple bleed control. For example, the Compact Mobilize Rescue System comes with multiple sets of dressings and tourniquets and an app license that quickly helps you identify and initially address many severe injuries.

3). Be Trained in CPR:
Knowing CPR is crucial to saving an SCA victim. CPR class helps you identify, respond, alert authorities, and begin lifesaving chest compressions to keep the victim’s blood and oxygen pumping to the brain. Quality CPR is one of, if not the most important, steps in the chain of SCA survival. To learn more about CPR training offerings, email our Clinical Specialist, Trent Harris, at tharris@mmemed.com.

4). Make & Practice an Emergency Plan:
Many organizations, from businesses to the military, have an EAP or an Emergency Action Plan to help respond to certain emergencies. An EAP provides a trusted emergency response gameplan where everyone knows the protocols and procedures, ensuring a smooth reaction to crises. Ensure you and your team are familiar with the location and accessibility of AEDs or emergency kits around the stadium or athletic park.

For medical professionals (EMTs, Paramedics, First Responders, etc.)
While steps 1-4 apply to the public and professionals alike, there are additional ways that emergency responders can be equipped and prepared.

5). Equipping the Professionals:
An Automated Chest Compression Device automatically performs mechanical compressions at the proper depth and rate, eliminating human fatigue and error while freeing up rescuers for other tasks. Automated chest compression devices can provide robust compression support during CPR over the long term, increasing survival rates with quality compressions.

Another aspect of professional SCA response is patient transport. Emergency stretchers are a must, with options for manual or powered stretchers designed to aid in transporting a patient from site to ambulance to hospital.

6). Professional emergency planning
For professionals, the emergency response plan is essential. Predetermined communication with event staff to clear a path for the ambulance is critical. Additionally, prepare the staff for your protocols so they can clear onlookers, handle spectators, and support you in the rescue process as needed.

Damar Hamlin returned to Buffalo, cleared protocols, and is set to be discharged home. His recovery is a testament to the teams’ respective training staff, their immediate action, and the preparedness and efforts of trained emergency responders. In an athletic setting, proper training, equipment, and planning can save lives on the field or in the stands.

Sources:
– https://parentheartwatch.org/resources/what-is-sca/
– https://parentheartwatch.org/resources/sca-prevention/warning-signs-risk-factors/
– https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/former-nfl-team-physician-explains-damar-hamlin-injury
– https://www.defibtech.com/news/latest/sudden-cardiac-arrest-sports/

 

A 2020 study explored a less-intuitive but very real complication medical professionals face with the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically, the challenge of performing effective chest compressions while staying properly protected. Even a few years after the initial COVID-19 waves, we can still draw benefits from this study about Automated Chest Compression Devices (ACCDs). This study focused on the Defibtech Lifeline ARM and its quality of compressions compared to manual chest compressions and CPR Monitoring Devices.

“The median chest compression depth using manual CC[Chest Compressions], CPRMeter, and LifeLine ARM varied and amounted to 40 (38–45) vs. 45 (40–50) vs. 51 (50–52) mm, respectively (p = 0.002). The median chest compression rate was 109 (IQR; 102–131) compressions per minute (CPM) for manual CC, 107 (105–127) CPM for CPRMeter, and 102 (101–102) CPM for LifeLine ARM (p = 0.027). The percentage of correct chest recoil was the highest for LifeLine ARM — 100% (95–100), 80% (60–90) in the CPRMeter group, and the lowest for manual CC — 29% (26–48).”

So what does this mean for you? Medical professionals are stretched thin and must wear protective equipment when rescuing or treating a patient, especially one who has or was exposed to COVID-19. Certain protective equipment can be cumbersome and affect the ability of the caregiver to provide chest compressions with maximum efficiency. The ARM can consistently give compressions at a precise rate and depth on a single battery charge for approximately an hour. The hot-swappable battery can be inserted in multiple orientations and operate while plugged into AC power, for long-term compressions without interruption.

Another great benefit of the Lifeline ARM is the space it affords caregivers to maintain a healthy distance from the patient while the device compresses. The ARM can switch from pause-for-breath protocol to no-pause-for-breath protocol, depending on your organizational standards.

The study concluded with 35 medical students wearing protective suits (ProChem I F). This suit can repel organic and inorganic chemicals in high concentrations down to 1 μm in particle diameter. These suits, coupled with an FFP2 filter, goggles, a visor, and double nitrile gloves, acted as a control group of well-protected medical personnel resuscitating someone expected to have COVID-19.

The results of this test show the best chest recoil:
LifeLine ARM Systems — 100% (IQR 95–100)
CPRMeter — 80% (IQR 60–90)
Manual Chest Compressions — 29% (IQR 26–48)

One of the most significant conclusions this study brings is the importance of continuous quality compressions throughout the process, with the added benefit of safety for the healthcare provider. Safety is an increasingly primary concern for medical professionals, especially in light of recent pandemics. An Automated Chest Compression Device affords more space between caregiver and patient, greatly reducing the amount of particles and pathogens a caregiver is exposed to.

This unit is tailor-made to fulfill protocols for various medical requirements and practices. The ARM can provide continuous compressions or allow pauses for breaths, whichever the healthcare professional deems necessary. To ensure the protocol is followed, the device also chirps and flashes an LED between compressions to alert for breaths.

Learn more about the Lifeline ARM automated chest compression solution here. For specific questions about the device, contact us at salessupport@mmemed.com or call us at 866-417-2546.

Citation: Malysz M, Dabrowski M, Böttiger BW, Smereka J, Kulak K, Szarpak A, Jaguszewski M, Filipiak KJ, Ladny JR, Ruetzler K, Szarpak L. Resuscitation of the patient with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 when wearing personal protective equipment: A randomized multicenter crossover simulation trial. Cardiol J. 2020;27(5):497-506. doi: 10.5603/CJ.a2020.0068. Epub 2020 May 18. PMID: 32419128; PMCID: PMC8078983.

 

The past three years have taken a toll on the Emergency Medical industry. Paramedics and EMTs have been required to respond to a higher volume of emergencies while facing staffing challenges and not receiving the funds or attention required to maintain personnel and equipment. According to the EMS Trend Report from EMS1, the number one concern facing paramedics and EMTs in 2022 was the retention of quality personnel, with the second being Proper Funding and reimbursement. Likewise, EMS agencies cite retention and staffing challenges as their priority for 2023, with many employers identifying burnout as the primary reason behind paramedics leaving the field.

While frontline emergency workers leave the field in droves due to burnout, changing careers, or early retirement, many in the field remain optimistic about its future. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on EMTs and Paramedics projected an upward trend for jobs in 2021, and expected the field to slightly outpace the national growth average:

Projected 10-year Growth from 2021- 2031
Emergency medical technicians- 7%
Emergency medical technicians and paramedics- 7%
Health technologists and technicians- 7%
Paramedics- 7%
National Average- 5%

Over a ten-year period, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nearly 20,000 openings for EMTs and paramedics each year. While job openings are an encouraging prospect, many of these openings come from replacing workers exiting the field, such as changing careers or early retirement. Not to mention that EMS is recognized as an “Essential Service” by ONLY 14 of the 50 states, as EMS agencies continue to struggle for proper funding and reimbursement for their personnel and equipment.

Faced with staffing challenges, EMS practices are focusing their efforts and resources on retention of their team. The biggest obstacle to retention in emergency personnel is burnout. Sixty percent of paramedics reported having one or more symptoms of burnout in 2022. Combating burnout is a vital part of retaining your best healthcare workers and creating an environment that maximizes your staff’s growth and efficiency.

So, how do you combat burnout? Improved team communication is essential to revitalizing a healthcare practice. By creating an environment that unites a team from top to bottom, staff feels involved, heard, and invested. Classes on protocol and drills with all members of the staff help reinforce that everyone is united in purpose. Trainings, regular (productive) meetings, and consistent conversations bring everyone in the loop and proves everyone has a voice.

Another way to combat burnout is to bring equipment to the practice that eases the physical toll of EMTs and paramedics during a rescue. Examples of this type of equipment includes powered stretchers and automated chest compression devices. While many agencies have already incorporated power stretchers, far fewer have adapted to mechanical compression devices. Chest compressions can take upwards of 30 minutes and require the full attention of a paramedic, keeping one pair of hands busy at all times during a rescue. Manual compressions can cause fatigue in as few as five minutes, and fatigue wears down your staff members and worsens the quality of compressions.

With an automated chest compression device such as the Lifeline ARM, “smart” chest compressions hit the correct depth and tempo for effective CPR every time. The ARM was designed based on years of EMS-based transport data, designed to save time, effort, and lives on a rescue, even with a patient on a stretcher. The device can be assembled around the arms of a paramedic performing manual compressions, meaning the device can be activated without missing compression time. Learn more about the Lifeline ARM here.

The ARM has a workhorse battery, capable of performing compressions for an hour. The tactical battery is hot swappable, can be inserted in multiple orientations, and can charge from an AC power adapter while in use. Consider an automated device to save wear and stress from your EMTs while also freeing up a paramedic to perform other vital parts of the rescue.

Combatting burnout within your team comes from open lines of communication between leadership and paramedics, a trusting and rewarding work environment, and easing the physical toll on paramedics by mechanical or automated solutions. The Lifeline ARM is an example of a device that can handle the exhausting task of quality chest compressions with ease. At the same time, it frees up a team member to work on other aspects of reviving patients, letting you administer better life-saving care. Consider automated devices such as the ARM to combat burnout within your staff and help retention, saving you time, long-term money, and providing a better quality of care. Call today to learn more or request a quote: 866-417-2546.

 

END-OF-YEAR SALES, DEALS, AND BUNDLES!

As 2022 draws to a close, medical practices are looking to make the most of annual budgets and turning their focus to the financial challenges of the new year. 2022 has been full of price hikes due to inflation, rising supply costs, and shipping complications. However, we want to offer once-a-year limited-time extreme savings on essential medical equipment including Defibrillators, AEDs, Suction Units, Infusion Pumps, Ventilators, Chest Compression devices, MRx Accessories, Monitors, cables, batteries, and more. Take advantage of our two most extreme End-Of-Year programs ever: Cyber Month and Outfit your Ambulance.

Cyber Month is a rigorous end-of-year sale with hundreds of units, bundles, and accessories discounted between 15%-75%. All qualifying equipment has been marked down significantly, and these special prices and discount codes are valid online-only for a limited time, only at Master Medical Equipment! Does this annual sale include equipment you need at a budget-saving price? Click here to view all qualifying equipment and learn more about our limited time special!

Special prices are valid from November 28 – December 30, while supplies last. Visit the Cyber Month page to view all qualifying units and accessories, or keep an eye out for the “Cyber Month” tag in our online shop!

What if you’re faced with the challenge of acquiring or updating the capital equipment in your emergency fleet? Essential capital medical equipment for EMS and Paramedics carries a huge initial cost of acquisition. We’ve partnered with JEM Financing to offer a package including a defibrillator, ventilator, IV pump, video laryngoscope, stretcher, and automated chest compression device, financed over time to save your budget from a crippling initial cost. Instead of spending $50,000+ to outfit your ambulance, let us fully equip your paramedics for just $1,700/mo.

TO GET STARTED: We want to offer you a customized, flexible bundle to preserve your equipment budget and save you money. For questions or to get started today, email our Rental and Financing Manager, Ashley Ferrell, at aferrell@jemfinancing.com. Or, click here to learn more about the unit options.

 

Katherine from Defibtech brings us an in-depth look at the Lifeline ARM, Defibtech’s Automated Chest Compression device. Read below, or watch the video for the demo and overview!

Ease of Use:

The Defibtech Lifeline ARM‘s efficiency and ease of use is designed to save time during rescues and provide top-of-the line life-saving chest compressions.

The ARM has a streamlined user interface that makes mechanical chest compressions a breeze. Starting chest compressions is simple, with two easy steps: First, adjust the compression height to the patient’s chest using the “Up/Down” Buttons. Next, start compressions by selecting breath or non-breath protocol. You can adjust your protocols in the middle of a rescue.

The ARM is the result of years of EMS-based transport studies. Defibtech has carefully crafted the ergonomics of the lightweight ARM and backboard to make transport simple even with a patient on a stretcher.

Rugged and Durable:

This device uses a single frame to reinforce the base, allowing for the best compressions possible. The ARM’s arched design allows you to assemble the device through the arms of whoever is performing manual CPR, meaning there is no interruption in compressions. The self-locking frame supports a drop-in piston that self-aligns to ensure quality compressions every time you assemble this device. The release levers within the frame make it easy to remove.

Long-Life, Hot-Swappable Battery:

The Defibtech ARM comes with our Advanced battery Technology. The hot swappable battery can be inserted in multiple orientations, and the AC power adapter recharges the battery even while in use!

The intuitive Battery Pack design carries a long life and run time, using less battery power to compress, while providing the same amount of strength every time. Each battery pack lasts around three years or 300 charge/discharge cycles. Defibtech offers a battery charging station, with the ability to fully charge a pack in two hours or two packs in three.

Customizable to fit your situation:

This unit is tailor-made to fulfill any and all protocols for various types of medical requirements and issues. The unit provides continuous CPR care or pauses for breaths, whichever the healthcare professional deems necessary. To assure the protocol is followed, the device also chirps and flashes an LED between compressions to allow for breaths.

Have questions about the Defibtech ARM? Reach out to us today to speak to our friendly and knowledgeable team at 866.468.9558 or salessupport@mmemed.com. We can’t wait to save lives together!

 

National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month

October is National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, a time to reflect on SCA preparedness, response, and heart health. Every year, an estimated 350,000 people die from cardiac arrest in the United States. How can you incorporate life-saving safety measures in your schools, workplace, and home?

Cardiac arrests are due to an electrical malfunction in the heart, whereas heart attacks result from an artery blockage. An SCA victim must receive immediate CPR to keep blood flowing and avoid permanent damage. Additionally, a bystander or first responder must administer a heart-restarting defibrillation shock with an AED.

In 1963, the American Heart Association endorsed CPR (CardioPulmonary Resuscitation) and promoted it to the public in 1972. As data has developed over the years, so have the knowledge and standards of CPR for healthcare providers. CPR is the hands-on process of providing manual chest compressions to a cardiac arrest victim, partially maintaining an active blood flow until trained medical personnel arrive.

Quality CPR is a vital part of an emergency SCA response. Automatic External Defibrillators, or AEDs, have also caused an increase in SCA survival rates. A sudden cardiac arrest requires immediate defibrillation to reset a regular heart pattern. For every minute after the incident without a shock administered, chances of survival drop by 10%. The average EMS response time in the US is nine minutes, meaning even in the best circumstances, SCA victims have a low survival rate without bystander aid.

Automated External Defibrillators come in various shapes, sizes, and colors but are all carefully crafted to guide a layperson to calmly and effectively treat an SCA victim. AED units guide rescuers step-by-step through the CPR and defibrillation process, with some even delivering instructions in multiple languages. Ready access to an AED is a great preventive measure to respond to a cardiac arrest before emergency medical professionals arrive.

How can your AED be in the best position to save a life?

The first step is to HAVE an AED unit. Whether you need AED(s) for your school, workplace, or personal use, there are several variables to consider (such as placement, number, wall safety cabinets, trauma kits, etc.). We offer a variety of FDA-approved AED units and offer full support with batteries, pads, cases, and other accessories.

The second step is to get CPR and AED training for yourself, staff, and/or faculty. While non-professionals can use AEDs, CPR certification and emergency preparedness training is always beneficial. Knowing the rescue steps, location of AED, and chain of rescue prepares your employees to feel secure in the event of an emergency.

The final step for AED preparedness is to stay aware of the performance status of your device. AEDs perform a “self-check” daily or weekly to ensure everything works correctly. Additionally, AEDs need annual Preventative Maintenance to ensure that sensors, internal components, and software provide correct readings. We recommend using a trusted biomedical company to service, maintain, and calibrate your AED. Your AED also comes with shock-delivering pads. The gel in these pads has a shelf life, and pads must be replaced every two years. We offer a free service to track the expiration dates of your pads, ensuring you stay equipped in case of an emergency.

According to the British Journal of Sports Medicine, SCAs are the leading cause of sudden death in young athletes during exercise. We are seeing record high survival rates in hospital cardiac arrests; however, survival rates using an EMS system or emergency transport are still very low. Every year, bystanders with AEDs save thousands of lives in the United States. With proper awareness, training, and AED placement, we can save countless more.

If you’re ready to purchase or finance AEDs for your school, workplace, or personal use, we can find the unit that meets your needs while fitting your budget. We are happy to answer any questions you may have concerning AEDs, our friendly and knowledgeable customer service team is here to help. Reach out to us via our online chat feature, or call us at 866.468.9558.

Jake Beals
Master Medical Equipment, Content Strategist

 

We talked with Trent Harris to discuss the advantages of the Sapphire Infusion Pump by Eitan Medical. This single-channel pump is an excellent device for clinical and emergency transport settings.

Covering what is in the box, the Sapphire comes with: the device itself, a mount, and a charging cable. An important thing to note is the red dot in the cable that will line up with a gray arrow at the bottom of the device; this locking mechanism gives you peace of mind that a simple pull cannot unplug your device. The button on the plug must be pushed down to release the cable from the device.

Moving to the mounting bracket, two tabs click into the device for secure placement and can release with the push of a button. The mount is spring-loaded and can rotate according to what orientation you want the device to mount on.

At Master Medical Equipment, we offer various tubing options for the Sapphire. On the primary tubing option, there is a grey arrow on the cassette pointing down when attached to the pump. This button is where you can prime the tubing before using the prime function of the pump should you want to. The tube clips into the side of the device, and a clear plastic door secures the tubing.

The pump interface has 3 LEDs for various purposes. The alarm light is, of course, for any alarms your device may have: whether leakage or some other issue. The second LED is for the charge. This light flashes if the unit is charging and will be steady when fully charged. And finally, the pump indicator at the bottom of the three will show green when the unit is in use.

At the bottom of the interface are two buttons: a “STOP” button and an “on/off” button. Aside from these two buttons, the unit is entirely touch-screen.

Turning on the Sapphire begins a prompt to ask which clinical care area the device is running in. This clinical care area is shown in the top left corner with another icon describing which modality the pump is in and, finally, a battery charge icon.

We offer multiple case options for the Sapphire pump for safety in transport, including a compact EMS Travel Case. This case is less bulky, carries all essential accessories, and even allows you to charge the unit while in the case.

The infusion process is simple and efficient. The drug library is easy and efficient to use—type in the first letter or the name of the drug of your choice. Then select the parameters you wish to infuse the medication and then the weight of the patient. After entering settings, Sapphire can adjust each parameter with a simple button push. Non-weight-based infusions are also possible with this single-channel pump. Maintenance infusions are easy to perform as well.

But what if you need more than just a maintenance infusion? MME is happy to recommend ReNew Biomedical for the job. With factory-trained biomedical technicians and a certified Eitan Medical Service Center, you can rest assured your device is in the right hands.

Have questions about what this device can do for you? Contact a customer sales specialist via Master Medical Equipment’s live chat features on the website, or call 866-704-5617 to ask or schedule a demo. Each specialist is well equipped to help find the perfect solution for you.

Jake Beals
Master Medical Equipment, Content Strategist

 

The American Heart Association (AHA) reports that 10,000 sudden cardiac arrests occur annually in American workplaces. Among those 10,000, 50% of people were able to find an automated external defibrillator (AED) at their workplace. The rest have to wait for first responders to arrive or another solution.

After the SCA has occurred, there is a limited window to mitigate the effects of the arrest (See The Mayo Clinic’s Report). Brain damage and muscle damage can begin in minutes. Time is of the essence. Responders must be fast and efficient. The SCAA shows that shocking an SCA Victim within one minute brings their survival odds to 90 percent, and according to the CDC, even simple chest compressions can decrease damage. For every minute an AED is not used, chance of survival drops by 10%.

The best rescue tool for a sudden cardiac arrest is an AED in the workplace.

What else is there to know about AEDs in the workplace?

Are they legally required?

– Sometimes, depending on your state guidelines and your practice. Many states have proposed that AEDs be held in public forums.

Do these AEDs have to be maintained?

– AED pads carry an adhesive gel designed to hold onto the patient’s chest; this adhesive slowly degrades over time. Each pack of pads carries an expiration date; while this does not mean that the pad is unusable, it does mean that the pad will not adhere well. Your AEDs batteries are also checked during your AEDs automatic diagnostic. So your device may chirp to let you know that it’s time to be changed.

What other precautions can we take?

– Make a plan! In the instance of an SCA, remind employees where AEDs are placed in the building and which protocol to follow when an incident occurs. Take time to regularly train your employees in SCA recognition, CPR rescue, and AED usage. Then practice! Once or twice a year, check your emergency preparedness.

Emergency Trauma Response

Trauma is the #1 cause of death for people between the ages of 1 and 46, accounting for 30% of all lives lost in the U.S. There is an urgent need for bystanders to be equipped to take a more active role in responding to emergency trauma situations. MME is recommending the following solutions to help equip and guide public access lay rescuers to save lives: The Comprehensive Rescue System and the Compact Mobilize System.

The Comprehensive Rescue System includes an extensive set of emergency supplies to manage life-threatening issues such as bleeding, seizures, choking, hypothermia, broken bones, allergic reactions, and much more. The integrated tablet guides rescuers with real-time instruction on location and application of supplies to the patient.

The lightweight Compact Rescue System is a perfect workplace emergency solution. Anyone with the Mobilize Rescue app is prepared to manage severe bleeding, seizures, choking, and other emergencies. A Compact Trauma kit can even fit in an AED wall Cabinet alongside the AED!

In an effort to increase workplace safety and preparedness, we are offering a limited-time Emergency Response Bundle that includes your choice of an AED, as well as a Compact Trauma kit and Wall Cabinet at a cost-effective price. The AED and Trauma kit can fit inside the cabinet, keeping your emergency response equipment safe, together, and easy to locate.

At Master Medical Equipment, we are determined to provide ex
cellent service in any way we can. We have a brand new AED pad-expiration reminder online so you can stay up-to-date on the lifespans of all your AED pads simultaneously. Our friendly and knowledgeable customer service team is here to answer your questions and find a cost-effective solution. We vet our processes by a third party, and our quality management process has been recommended for ISO 13485 certification, specifically for medical device companies. We go to great lengths to provide the best new and recertified medical equipment. We have an online chat feature where you can reach out to us through our website. Or give us a phone call at 866-704-5617. For questions about annual maintenance for your AED, contact us today!

Jake Beals
Master Medical Equipment, Writer

 

The LTV 1200 from Vyaire, previously branded the Carefusion, Pulmonetics or Viasys LTV 1200, is a premium respiratory ventilator rated for transport and EMS. We want to share what comes in the box with a new or recertified LTV 1200 to make it patient-ready and discuss the features and functionalities that set it apart.

Out of the box, the unit comes with an AC power adapter, a strap hand, a “Christmas Tree” adapter that hooks up to high/low flow oxygen, an operator’s manual, testing certification, and medical device tracking for your biomed technician. We also recommend the transport pack (pictured right) for added unit safety and carrying convenience. We also offer circuits, filters, and every other accessory you need to keep your ventilator up and running.

One unique safety function of the LTV 1200 is that it comes with a safety precaution so that a user cannot tap the device on/off button once, and the device no longer supports the patient. Instead, hold the power button for 3-5 seconds to turn off the device.

The LTV 1200 has many functionalities, including NPPV (Non-invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation) and a volume function. These functions are easily customizable to fit your doctor’s orders efficiently and clearly.

More functionalities include:
Control
Assist/Control
SIMV – Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation
CPAP – Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
Apnea Backup Ventilation
NPPV – Non-invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation

Control Mode:
Control mode ventilation is selected when Assist/Ctrl is selected, and Sensitivity is set to a dash “-.” In Control mode, Volume or Pressure Controlled machine breaths are given at the rate specified by the Breath Rate setting, and no triggered breaths are allowed.

Assist/Control Mode:
Assist/Control ventilation is selected when Assist/Ctrl is selected and Sensitivity is on. In Assist/Control mode, the ventilator guarantees a minimum number of Volume or Pressure Controlled breaths. The patient may trigger additional Volume or Pressure Controlled assist breaths.

SIMV Mode:
SIMV mode is selected when SIMV/CPAP is selected, and the Breath Rate is set between 1 and 80. In SIMV mode, machine, assist, and patient breaths may be given. An assist breath is given for the first patient trigger detected within a breath period. For all subsequent patient stimuli within the same breath period, spontaneous patient breaths or pressure support, if set, are given. A machine breath is provided at the beginning of a breath if no triggered breaths were given in the previous breath period. If there were a patient trigger in the last breath cycle, the ventilator would not provide a machine breath in the current breath period unless the set Apnea Interval is exceeded.

CPAP Mode
CPAP mode is selected when SIMV/CPAP is selected, and the Breath Rate is set to dashes “- -.” In CPAP mode, a patient breath is given when a patient trigger is detected. Breaths will be Pressure Support or Spontaneous breaths according to the Pressure Support setting.

NPPV Mode
Non-invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NPPV) can be selected as the primary ventilation mode. In the NPPV mode, the ventilator cycles between IPAP (Pressure Support) and EPAP (PEEP). When a patient trigger is detected, a Pressure Support patient breath is given.

Apnea Backup Mode
The LTV® 1200 / 1150 ventilator provides an Apnea Backup mode of ventilation. Apnea Backup ventilation begins when the time since the last breath started is greater than the set Apnea Interval. When an apnea alarm occurs:
If inspiration is in progress, the ventilator cycles to exhalation.
The ventilator begins Apnea Backup ventilation in the Assist/Control mode according to the current control settings. The active controls are displayed fully, and all other controls are dimmed.
The breath rate for Apnea Backup mode is determined as follows:
If the set Breath Rate is greater than or equal to 12 bpm, the Apnea breath rate is the set Breath Rate.
If the set Breath Rate is less than 12 bpm and other control settings do not limit the set Breath Rate, the Apnea breath rate is 12 bpm.
If the set Breath Rate is limited to <12 bpm, the Apnea breath rate is the highest allowed

Have more questions about what the Vyaire LTV 1200 can do for you, or want to schedule annual preventive maintenance? Master Medical Equipment’s friendly and knowledgable customer service team is here to find a solution for you. Check out our live chat feature, or give us a call at 866-704-5617 to speak with a rep today!

Jake Beals
Master Medical Equipment, Writer