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MME – Premier Distributor of the Sapphire Infusion Pump

 

Premier Distributor of the Sapphire Infusion Pump

Sapphire Infusion Pump, Multi-Therapy, 17000-028-0072 - Eitan - New
Sapphire Infusion Pump, Multi-Therapy, 17000-028-0072 – Eitan – New

We are thrilled to announce that Master Medical Equipment is now the premier distributor of the Sapphire Infusion Pump by Eitan Medical for the Pre Acute EMS market. As of January 1, 2024, MME is the primary distributor of the Sapphire infusion pump, along with related sets and accessories for the EMS market. MME is proud to bring this innovative transport infusion product to the forefront of pre-hospital care.

The Sapphire Infusion Pump is a game-changer in transport emergency medical settings, offering unmatched portability, precision, and durability. Designed to deliver continuous, high-quality drug infusion therapy, the Sapphire Infusion Pump is a lightweight powerhouse of accuracy and reliability. We firmly believe this device is the future of infusion technology for EMS and are proud to represent Eitan’s product in this way.

With our commitment to the future of the EMS industry, we’re excited to explore what this next chapter means for our customers and distributors. Master Medical Equipment is dedicated to providing top-of-the-line medical equipment to heroes in the EMS, medical transport, pre-acute, and pre-hospital sectors. We are honored to partner with Eitan Medical as their trusted distributor, and we look forward to continuing to revolutionize patient care with the Sapphire Infusion Pump.

Stay tuned for more in-depth information about the Sapphire Infusion Pump and unparalleled access to this device. We’re excited to continue to share how the Sapphire IV Pump is transforming the landscape of pre-hospital medical treatment.

To learn more about this infusion pump, get a quote, or request a demo, contact salessupport@mmemed.com.

If you’re interested in applying for distribution access of the Sapphire Pump, reach out to Megan at mdavis@mmemed.com.

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CPR Methods in History

 

The History of CPR Methods

Healthcare technology has come a long way regarding life-saving resuscitation. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, or CPR, is a common medical practice many people are familiar with. By compressing the chest, first responders or bystanders can partially maintain active blood flow in a cardiac arrest victim, greatly increasing their chance of survival. Hollywood has often imitated CPR when a character is aggressively pulled from the water unresponsive. Another character pushes their chest as fast as possible, occasionally pinches their nose, and blows air.

1. Continuous Manual Compressions
Continuous manual compressions are the most common type of CPR, but there have been more nuanced versions in the medical field throughout the years. Manual compressions are the most commonly practiced, but have downsides such as fatigue and manual error. Let’s look at other CPR methods medical professionals have used to treat cardiac arrest over the years.

2. Open-Chest CPR
In scenarios where the chest or abdomen is already open, open-chest CPR becomes a viable alternative. This method includes accessing the heart through a thoracotomy, allowing direct compression using the thumb and fingers or the palm against the sternum. It finds utility during or in the early postoperative period after cardiothoracic surgery. This technique is for controlled environments and medical professionals.

3. “Cough” CPR
“Cough” CPR is an alternative applied through forceful voluntary coughs every 1 to 3 seconds in conscious patients. This method increases intrathoracic pressure episodically, generating systemic high blood pressure. The objective is to help patients maintain consciousness during short periods of arrhythmia. This technique is specific to cooperative, conscious patients and should not be confused with standard CPR. It may have potential in monitored inpatient settings at the onset of a potentially lethal arrhythmia.

4. Precordial Thump
Often portrayed in films and TV shows, the precordial thump is an alternative to defibrillation for unstable ventricular tachycardia and ventricular arrhythmia. However, recent evidence questions its effectiveness, with studies reporting ineffectiveness in many cases. Additional complications such as sternal fracture, osteomyelitis, stroke, and the triggering of malignant arrhythmias have been documented. This highlights the potential risks associated with this alternative method.

These are just a few different ways medical professionals have tried to save lives from Cardiac arrhythmia in the past.

5. Automated Chest Compression
Nowadays, many first responders use a portable unit called an automated chest compression device for resuscitation purposes. Automated chest compression devices free up a medic on the emergency scene, and deliver consistent, quality compressions without getting tired. An example of a portable ACCD device for EMS is the next-generation Defibtech ARM XR. These devices are set up for quick deployment, meaning you can transition a patient from manual CPR to mechanical in just seconds. Also, the new suction cup maximizes the efficiency of CPR with effective chest recoil.

Emergencies are hectic, and CPR shouldn’t delay the ability of emergency medical to deliver patient care. Automated devices like the ARM XR help responders multi-task, and automates much of the CPR process including how far to lower the piston, how deep to perform compressions, and of course the compressions themselves.

CPR has come a long way, and our ability to predictably deliver quality compressions nowadays is better than it ever has been. How much more effective could your teams be if you could automate the process of CPR? Read more about the ARM XR or watch the video here.

At MME, our mission is to equip first responders to save more lives, one relationship at a time. We equip EMS professionals with resources to provide the best chest compressions every time and with virtually an extra pair of hands. Contact us today!

https://emottawablog.com/2019/03/mechanical-cpr-past-current-and-future/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545174/

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First Look at the New Defibtech ARM XR

 

Advanced Resuscitation for EMS

Did you know, the National Association of EMS Physicians recommends continuing resuscitation compressions for at least twenty minutes? Unfortunately, due to fatigue, the quality of manual CPR can quickly degrade after just two minutes. Quality compressions are crucial to improving survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest.

Mechanical Chest Compressors have become a standard part of the EMS toolkit for responding to Cardiac arrest. These devices can tirelessly perform guideline-compliant depth and rate chest compressions.

The brand-new ARM XR from Defibtech is designed for quick, streamlined deployment, so first responders can transition from manual to mechanical CPR without missing a beat. The improved frame snaps into place through the arms of someone performing manual CPR. Once assembled, the down button automatically lowers the piston to the patient’s chest. EMS then selects breath or non-breath protocol to begin compressions. The intuitive interface allows rescuers to quickly begin compressions without manually lowering the piston or fumbling with buttons and the suction cup.

Here’s the 8 key things you need to know about the next-generation ARM XR.
#1 – The Suction Cup – A key feature of the ARM XR is the suction cup design, which allows for active chest recoil.

#2 – Active CPR Assembly – The XR’s frame assembles over the patient while CPR is being performed. This lets first responders go from manual to mechanical CPR without skipping a beat.

#3 – Rapid Response – The XR is designed to save first responders time by deploying quickly, with easy, intuitive locking mechanisms.

#4 – Hot Swap Battery – The rechargeable hot-swap battery allows for tactical battery replacement, and boasts a 33 percent longer battery life than competitive devices.

#5 – Operational Control – Choose from either continuous compressions or pause for breath protocol. The pause button can override any further compressions.

#6 – Greater Patient Capability – The XR’s new, taller frame accommodates patients with a greater chest height.

#7 – Automated Compression Depth – Automated Compression technology automatically adapts to deliver compressions appropriate for the patient’s size.

#8 – Affordability – A competitive price point allows your team to do more with less.

The key components of the ARM XR are the battery pack, compression module, frame, suction cup, patient wrist straps, stabilization frame straps, patient stabilization main straps, and the backboard.

Another new feature of the ARM XR is the new suction cup piston design. The motor delivers precise, reliable compressions while the suction cup enables active chest recoil up to 0.6 inches. Also, the Automated Compression technology automatically adapts to deliver compressions appropriate for the patient’s size.

The XR also features a new, taller frame, allowing first responders to deliver life-saving chest compressions to patients with greater chest height. The XR also has a long battery life of sixty minutes, 33% longer than competitive devices, and the rechargeable hot-swap battery pack can be inserted in either orientation.

The ARM XR is an affordable option, saving your first responders time and allowing your team to do more with less.

Eliminate errors that can come along with manual compression, save time, and reduce stress and fatigue with the Defibtech ARM XR. Call MME today! 866.468.9558

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MME Acquires JEM Rentals and Financing

JEM is Now MME Rentals

JEM and MME: New Rental Opportunities

Master Medical Equipment, a leading distributor of new and re-certified medical equipment, is pleased to announce our acquisition of JEM Rentals and Financing, a leading medical equipment rental provider! This strategic partnership strengthens MME’s market position and adds another way we can continue to offer comprehensive solutions to the capital medical equipment industry.

This merger combines MME’s extensive distribution network with JEM’s expertise in rental services. The newly formed entity will operate as an extension of MME under the name “MME Rentals,” a unified brand representing the best of both organizations.

JEM and MME’s mutual commitment to customer satisfaction made this merger an easy sell. MME can now draw from JEM’s years of experience meeting the specific needs of the medical equipment rental market. JEM can tap into MME’s larger team of experts and their vast range of products and services to reach a wider audience and expand their offerings. The JEM team will continue prioritizing customer needs, offering personalized solutions and excellent service.

What This Means for MME Customers:

  • Enhanced Products and Services: the combined strengths of JEM and MME will offer MME customers a new array of rental solutions designed to leverage operating budget and maximize flexibility.
  • Expanded Support: tapping into JEM’s expert team means more hands on deck to support you, leading to faster response times and a more comprehensive range of expertise.
  • Innovation: Joining forces allows us to invest more in developing website tools to make renting medical equipment more accessible than ever!

What Remains the Same:

  • Rental Contacts: The JEM team is here to stay, just under a different name. For the short term, while Ashley Ferrell is on maternity leave, MME Rental’s primary contact is Savannah Webster at 731-240-1762.
  • Our Commitment: Our dedication to providing exceptional service and support remains unchanged. We are as committed as ever to helping you achieve your goals.

JEM looks forward to the new opportunities this merger brings, but seeks to prioritize their current customer base through this transition. JEM customers are welcome to send questions to your usual contacts or email them to swebster@mmemed.com or service@jemfinancing.com for further information.

As they embark on this exciting new chapter, JEM is grateful for their customer’s continued trust and support. Both companies are confident that this merger will bring many positive changes and look forward to sharing these benefits with you.

For more information, please contact:

Savannah Webster

MME Rentals

731-240-1762 | swebster@mmemed.com

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From Science Fiction to Science Fact: The History of AEDs

 

From Science Fiction to Science Fact: The History of AEDs

It’s Heart Month again! Every February, the American Heart Association raises awareness for cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment. Heart Month has become a national event, with thousands of businesses joining the charge to help the AHA in this mission. This year is all the more impactful because we also get to celebrate the AHA turning 100 years old! A hundred years ago, the world of cardiac medicine looked very different. The AHA played a vital role in equipping scientists and medical professionals to develop practical techniques for resuscitation. Master Medical Equipment believes public access to AEDs is crucial in this mission, which is why we offer affordable AEDs and defibrillators for every budget. The AED is now universally recognized as an essential tool in reducing fatal outcomes amongst those who suffer from cardiovascular diseases, but it wasn’t always that way.

1700s-1800s: Experiments and Missed Discoveries

Scientists have known for a long time that electric pulses can move muscles. Fictional depictions of what electricity could do to a stopped heart, such as Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, gripped the public’s imagination. But before science fiction became science fact, a German physiologist, Moritz Schiff, made the groundbreaking discovery in 1874: that massaging a heart during surgery could restore circulation. [source] This soon became a standard medical practice, but the medical community overlooked many other innovations. In 1891, German surgeon Dr. Friedrich Maass advocated for external chest compressions after reviving two young human patients with the technique. [source] In 1899, two physiologists from Switzerland demonstrated how their crude device, similar to a defibrillator, could interrupt and restore a dog’s heart rhythm. [source] As is often the case in science, their small victories were not recognized as a foundation for future world-changing treatments.

1900-1930: Let’s Get Organized

Early in the 20th century, a doctor successfully performed a closed-chest cardiac massage again, but once again, it gained little attention from the medical field. [source] After the founding of the American Heart Association in 1924, cardiovascular treatments received dedicated attention and financial support. An official governing body could examine these experimental techniques that fell between the cracks, run studies to discover their efficacy, and make recommendations to medical professionals.

1930s-early 1950s: Defibs and Chest Compressions, a Match Made in Heaven

The recognition for inventing the external defibrillator, as we know it today, goes to William Kouwenhoven. In 1930, with his students at Johns Hopkins University, this electrical engineer created a device that successfully jumpstarted a dog’s heart externally! Through this process, Kouwenhoven and his team also rediscovered external chest compressions. They succeeded in reviving more than 100 dogs with what would prove to be the most effective method of resuscitation: chest compressions and defibrillation. [source]

The first successful resuscitation of an exposed human heart with an internal defibrillator was performed in 1947 by Dr. Claude Beck on a 14-year-old boy during cardiac surgery. [source] They massaged the heart for 45 minutes while waiting for the enormous defibrillator to arrive to deliver between 300 and 1000 volts to the exposed heart. The boy survived, but this method was far from ideal. Apart from its size, the first defibrillator often caused damage to the cells inside the heart muscles.

mid-1950s-1980s: Improvements in Leaps and Bounds

Over the next two decades, considerable improvements in Kouwenhoven’s external defibrillator led to the first restoration of a healthy rhythm to an arrhythmic heart in 1956. The AHA funded a study to recreate this success reliably. Dr. Paul Zoll, a Harvard cardiologist, is chosen to lead the study. Today, the name Zoll should be very familiar to those who work with AEDs, as his research so profoundly influenced the development of AEDs that one of the largest AED manufacturers uses his name: ZOLL Medical. 

At the end of the 1950s, Kouwenhoven and his Johns Hopkins team reached another milestone for resuscitation: the first portable external defibrillator. The Hopkins Closed Chest Defibrillator was a light 200 pounds but still technically portable on its wheeled cart. [source]

In 1960, resuscitation rockstar Kouwenhoven and his team added mouth-to-mouth breathing to their already successful resuscitation technique (chest compressions and defibrillation); this completed the lifesaving trifecta that we now call CPR. The AHA was vital in training physicians to perform effective closed-chest cardiac resuscitation, but this knowledge was still largely unknown to the public. And with defibrillators still weighing 200 pounds, resuscitation was considered a medical procedure, not something that the average person could perform.

But this would soon change. Surprisingly, the turning point in the journey to create the user-friendly AED was the medically complicated internal defibrillator. Over the next few decades, the medical community, empowered by the success of the portable defibrillator, raced to create an even smaller defibrillator that could be implanted in a person’s chest. Defibrillators got smaller and smaller; they began to track heart rhythms and could autonomously decide when to deliver shocks. Finally, in 1980, the first Internal Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD) was implanted into a human, and it remains an invaluable tool in treating people with persistent heart problems.

Meanwhile, programs providing CPR training (chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth) for medical professionals and the public became part of public health initiatives. The AHA played a big part in raising awareness for the lifesaving technique.

1990s-present: Power to the People

While more people than ever were saving lives with chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth, the third member of the resuscitation trifecta was still missing: defibrillation. While defibs had gotten smaller, they still posed risks for side effects that could damage the heart. The 90s saw discoveries of new electric waveforms that, when used in defibrillators, reduced heart damage and required less electricity. Defibrillators could be powered by batteries and be even more portable!

All these gradual improvements by dedicated scientists, health professionals, and advocacy groups led to the logical conclusion of this technology: Automated External Defibrillators. These devices analyze the heart rhythm by themselves, diagnose the shockable rhythms, and provide a shock at the optimal time. This means that no clinical skill is required in their use, allowing laypeople to respond to emergencies effectively.

AEDs are now an essential part of resuscitating victims of cardiac arrest. Thanks to the tireless work of advocacy groups like the AHA, public access defibrillation programs educate the public on the most modern and effective methods of resuscitating victims of cardiac arrest. AEDs can be easily spotted in most public places, empowering the everyday person to be a cardiac victim’s hero. We at MME are proud to participate in the AHA’s ongoing mission to reduce the fatalities of cardiac disease by offering AEDs and defibrillators for every budget and maintenance plans to keep your AED ready to save a life.

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The Go-To Infusion Pump for Transport EMS

EMS infusion pump transport ambulance

 

Infusion Pump IV EMS Transport Clinic

The Go-To Infusion Pump for Transport EMS

Hey there, Nathan Schrupp from Master Medical Equipment here. Today, let’s explore why the Sapphire Infusion Pump from Eitan Medical stands head and shoulders above other infusion pumps in the EMS field. The Sapphire infusion pump isn’t just another option; it’s a unique game-changer for air and ground EMS and home/clinical settings.

Unmatched Portability

The Sapphire IV Pump is one of only two infusion pumps rated for transport. For both ground and air EMS, the Sapphire should be your go-to. Why? It’s not just small and compact; the sapphire infusion system is a lightweight powerhouse of accuracy and precision. No need for a bulky infusion pump; the Sapphire is your sleek, portable, and economical option.

Precision and Ease of Use

The most important reason for using this pump over other options is its precision and unmatched ease of use. Your organization can build a customized drug library, using Eitan’s software, which can be customized to your aircraft, ambulance, or clinical setting. When I first started learning emergency medicine infusion pumps, we had to calculate each infusion by hand. A drug library with a simple interface takes all the guesswork out of those calculations, especially in very critical situations with high stress and multiple chaotic things happening.

Demo Time

Let me show you just how fast it is to set up an infusion on the Sapphire. In 38 seconds, we programmed a dopamine infusion from start to finish. That’s the Sapphire’s speed in action.

Challenging the Status Quo

As a clinician, it’s easy to claim your current system is easy because it’s familiar. But is it truly easy? We know it takes time to do the calculations, using formulas for adult, pediatric, or neonatal patients to find medication and dose rates. A huge stressor for clinicians is the accuracy of the math. Man, did I get that number right? Was my formula accurate? Should that decimal place been moved over? The Sapphire liberates you from the manual effort of calculation and removes the stress of second-guessing the accuracy of your math. Why would you want that burden when a device like this is designed to deliver industry-leading accuracy and precision?

Freedom in the Ambulance

Picture this: You’re in the back of an ambulance or high in the air, juggling multiple critical tasks for a patient’s safety. The Sapphire infusion pump frees up your hands and mind with pre-set guardrails, allowing you to concentrate on what you do best—caring for the patient.

Ready to experience the Sapphire Infusion pump’s difference for your EMS transport medical needs? Reach out to Master Medical Equipment. Our knowledgeable sales reps are here to provide a quote or set you up with a rental for a hands-on experience. Trust in the Sapphire—where precision meets portability, and where your peace of mind is the priority.

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Pediatric Keys & Pads with Carrie Kastner

 

Pediatric AED Philips FRx Key

Pediatric Pads vs Pediatric Keys for AEDs: Which is better?

What’s the benefits of choosing an AED with a Pediatric Key instead of using pediatric pads? Carrie Kastner, our Education Sales Manager at Master Medical Equipment, joins us to speak on the key differences and the need to be ready for a pediatric cardiac emergency.

Delivering a life-saving shock to infants and small children

Normal pads are designed for adults, and deliver a shock which would harm infants rather than save them. Many Automated External Defibrillators require you to keep a separate set of pads just for infants and small children. Keeping up with a separate pair of pads, which have a shelf life, can be expensive and overlooked. By contrast, the Philips FRx AED uses a pediatric key, a plastic multi-use device to lower the shocking energy to 50 joules, safe for a pediatric patient. This lets you maintain only one set of pads, making rescuers simpler and keeping long-term costs down. By flipping the tab and inserting it into the AED unit, the pediatric function is now available.

This makes AED maintenance easier for you because adult and pediatric pads have different expiration dates. Adult pads tend to last for 4 to 5 years, depending on the manufacturer. Pediatric pads are only good for up to two years, meaning you have two different shelf life cycles to track. You have an extra expense. For every set of adult pads, you’re purchasing two and a half sets of pediatric pads. The Pedi Key is a great alternative, with no expiration date and allowing multiple uses. Plus, you don’t have to worry about storage temperature. It lives in the case and is there in case you need it. In a pediatric emergency, the key just pops in the top, and the machine does all the work for you. You’re still using the same pads. You’ll place the pads according to a pediatric rescue, one on the chest and one on the back, listen for directions, and the machine will take care of the energy level.

In the Philips family of AEDs, the FR3 also uses a Pedi Key. That key looks slightly different, it will be pink, which is the pediatric color but has the same function

The Philips HeartStart FRx AED is known for its durability and robust design. The FRx has an IP rating of 55, meaning it’s suitable for vehicles or to stored in not-so-climate-controlled places. We never recommend putting it anywhere too hot or cold, but the IP rating of 55 makes them durable and very hearty against most damp or dusty environments.

If you have any questions or need any information, please call us at Master Medical Equipment at 866-468-9558. We have plenty of people answering the phone ready to help you out.

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Patient Lifting Straps for First Responders

 

Lifting Patient assisted lift

Patient Lifting Strap: Made by First Responders for First Responders

The PAL Strap is a revolutionary tool for EMS providers, quickly becoming a staple for every ambulance, fire engine, and emergency vehicle. Designed by a firefighter who wanted to improve the risky and unreliable “lift-with-bedsheets” process, the PAL strap is a versatile tool that speeds up the lifting process, reduces liability, improves comfort for the patient, and reduces strain on the responders.

How do you lift patients?

Every day, firefighters, paramedics, assisted care workers, and any emergency responder who’s been on a patient lift call tell us they’re still lifting fallen patients with bedsheets. Lifting with bedsheets is unsanitary for the responder, is a different assembly each time, and introduces risks of slipping, ripping, or disbalancing an elderly or bariatric patient. Bedsheets have no instructions for proper assembly and, therefore, are never assembled the same way twice. Sheets can’t be trusted to safely lift the patient or protect the responder from back injury. This level of liability is almost unimaginable in this day and age.

How should you lift patients?

The PAL Strap is a simple, belt-like strap that goes under a patient’s legs and behind their back to form a stable basket with a lifting handle on each side. In addition to the lifting handles, the back strap offers reliable, easy purchase points, especially compared to bedsheets. Once assembled around the patient, EMS locks their front foot in front of the patient, creating a leverage point. Because of the weight distribution and the accessible lifting handles, assisting the patient to their feet from here takes a fraction the effort of other methods. With this approach, small responders can easily and safely lift much larger patients without fear of injury to themselves or the victim.

The PAL Strap can also lift a patient directly up from a seated position. This technique can move a patient to a stair chair, wheelchair, or bed. Additionally, most first responders can, with lifters on either side, raise a patient into a cot or stretcher. This same technique can also lift a patient out of a car seat or from a stretcher to a hospital bed.

The PAL strap comes in a rugged kit with three sizes: Regular, Large, and X-Large. The regular strap (red) will be your primary strap, suitable to lift at least 90% of your patients. EMS have even started replacing their medical bag’s default strap with a red PAL strap and two carabiners, further improving the usefulness and utility of their bag and ensuring a lift-assist strap is with their go-bag at all times.

The PAL strap is ideal for scenarios where minimal intrusion is needed. For example, when the fire department needs to lift a patient quickly without intruding on the privacy or personal life of the patient to regain their comfort and maintain their dignity. Our very own Ms. Donna helped demonstrate how this tool can be instrumental in aiding patients. We placed Ms. Donna in common places where someone in a residential healthcare setting is likely to slip or fall, someplace where EMS would likely be called. The strap lifts her with ease and keeps her comfortable and secure.

Best of all, the PAL strap disassembles in seconds. Removing the bedsheets from underneath a lifted patient is a chore. Paramedics shimmy the patient around, wrestling to scoot the sheets out from underneath. With the PAL Strap, you simply pull the loop apart and slide the strap out from behind the patient’s back. We aren’t kidding when we say an experienced paramedic can disassemble the strap and remove it from a patient in under five seconds.

The PAL Strap prioritizes both patient comfort and first responder safety. The patient’s weight secures the girth hitch and ensures the patient is stable and at ease throughout the lifting process. Equally important, however, caregivers guarantee a snug and comfortable fit by confirming the strap’s presence around the thighs and providing support along the back. The PAL Strap has two strong handles that naturally provide patient stability and minimize extra strain on the EMS provider.

The PAL Strap comes in a kit of three straps and includes the Standard, Large, and X-Large sizes. Choosing which strap to use is based on the patient’s build, not weight. A kit costs only $219 and, when used correctly, greatly reduces possible liability for fallen patients. With its commitment to standardized techniques and provider safety, the PAL Strap sets the bar for EMS-first lift-assist solutions. Purchase or learn more about the PAL strap here, or contact us today for bulk order discounts.

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AEDs for First Responders

 

FRx AED For EMS and First Responders

Why Choosing the Right Unit is Crucial

In the world of emergency response, timing is everything. Saving lives hinges on rapid and effective intervention, especially when it comes to sudden cardiac arrest. SCA can strike anyone, from infants to the elderly, and the difference between life and death often depends on quick, well-coordinated actions. This is where the Philips HeartStart FRx Automated External Defibrillator comes into play, a tool that’s helped countless first responders like Nathan Schrupp.

Nathan, a Fire Paramedic and Flight Paramedic, knows the importance of holding the right equipment during an SCA event. In 20 years of emergency medicine, he has seen firsthand the lifesaving capabilities of the Philips HeartStart FRx. In this article, we’ll explore Nathan’s experiences, his insights, and why he believes the HeartStart FRx is an invaluable asset for anyone who might find themselves in a sudden cardiac arrest situation.

A Lifeline in Critical Moments

Nathan underscores the importance of timing in SCA cases. Every second counts, and the Philips HeartStart FRx is designed with urgency in mind. One of its unique features is the “Quick-Shock” capability, ensuring that a shock can be administered within eight seconds of initiating CPR. These lifesaving shocks are only delivered when the device identifies a shockable rhythm in the patient’s heart, emphasizing the AED’s precision and safety.

Nathan also shares how easy and straightforward the FRx is to use. Its “one, two, three” process provides clear verbal and visual instructions, making it accessible to both trained professionals and everyday individuals who might find themselves in a critical situation. This ease-of-use is particularly vital for rescuers who need a bit of guidance in high-stress situations.

The Importance of Data and Post-SCA Care

The FRx’s SMART biphasic defibrillator technology adjusts energy delivered based on patient impedance and detects any interference from external sources. It also features CPR guidance, offering verbal instructions for adult, infant, and child CPR, ensuring that chest compressions and breathing are administered correctly. The device’s metronome keeps users on track, maintaining the right pace for effective CPR, a crucial component in the chain of survival during an SCA event.

Nathan also emphasizes the importance of the data collected by the HeartStart FRx. This data can be wirelessly transmitted for further analysis, assisting medical professionals in understanding the events leading up to an SCA and providing valuable insights for post-event care. It’s a tool that helps ensure patients receive the best possible treatment once they arrive at the hospital.

Conclusion:

In the hands of a first responder like Nathan, the Philips HeartStart FRx AED is a quick and capable life-saving tool. Its user-friendliness and cutting-edge technology make it a cornerstone in the arsenal for those dedicated to saving lives. Nathan’s experience highlights the ease of use, precision, and lifesaving capabilities of the HeartStart FRx.

At Master Medical Equipment, our goal is to equip first responders like you to save lives from sudden cardiac arrest. The Philips HeartStart FRx offers a stress-free and highly effective solution to increase the chances of survival during an SCA event. To learn more about why this remarkable device is ideal for first responders like Nathan, click here.

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Putting the “E” back in EMS: Paramedics Respond to Abuse of the 911 System

 

Putting the E back in EMS. Non emergency transport abuse of 911

INTRODUCTION

Over the Summer, we put out an open survey to the EMS community, asking for feedback about difficulties facing paramedics’ daily lives and their experience with abuse of the 911 emergency system via non-emergency transports. We asked First Responders to propose specific, directed solutions that could build awareness and begin to bring around change in their state and local communities. The survey quickly spread around EMS circles, and before we knew it, we had collected almost two hundred responses in just over a week. Read what real paramedics had to say about this issue that has been largely unaddressed. (PDF version of the report can be found here)

ABOUT OUR RESPONDENTS

In 2023, our conversations with EMS, paramedics, and first responders all revolved around one main issue: abuse of the 911 system. We wanted to give the industry a voice to explore this problem, raise awareness, and begin forming solutions.

 

ABOUT THE PROBLEM: 911 System Abuse

Ambulances are often called to transport patients who aren’t experiencing a medical emergency or don’t need a hospital at all. Here’s what EMS professionals had to say about these transports:

90%: Respondents agree that non-emergency transports in the 911 system are a misallocation of time and resources.

94%: Respondents agree that patients using the 911 system as non-emergency transport puts unnecessary strain on our healthcare infrastructure.

59%: Respondents agree that patients using the 911 system as non-emergency transport is the biggest challenge their service faces.

 

THE SIZE OF THE PROBLEM: 911 System Abuse


WHAT SHOULD BE DONE?

We asked respondents to propose some solutions. Here were the most frequently mentioned ideas:

#01 Consequences/Cost for Non-Emergent Abusers

“Being able to charge a flat fee even to those on [Medicare], who never ever get a bill for services. Even if it’s a small bill, it would make them think twice if they needed an ambulance or if they could get there themselves. And being able to penalize them for non-payment of bills for a bill that came from non-emergency ambulance usage.”

#02 Educate the Public on Proper Use of EMS

“Teach the proper use of EMS in schools at like middle school and high school. Similar to when PD and Fire go to schools talking about when to call 911.”

#03 Allow EMS to Refer Non-Emergencies

“Give EMS personnel the ability to transport to alternate destinations (i.e. urgent care clinic) and/or refuse transport for complaints which should be handled by a PCP/in the outpatient setting.”

#04 Healthcare Reform

• “Implement a tiered response system with BLS and ALS response and transport.”
• “EMS needs to be considered an Essential Service like Fire and Police.”
• “Better access to mental health care so people don’t always have to wait until crisis.”
• “Community Paramedicine in rural areas.”

#05 Create Non-Emergency Alternatives

“Ability to call for non-emergent transport for patients that do not need an ambulance.”

#06 Funding & Staffing

“Improved State and Federal funding and recognition that EMS does have an impact on the quality of life in the community.”

OTHER TOP ISSUES

#01 Wages
#02 Staffing Shortages
#03 Mental Health & Burnout
#04 Lack of Funding
#05 Leadership
#06 Mismanagement of Time/Resources
#07 Public Perception
#08 Lack of Education & Training

JOIN THE CAUSE: Getting Involved/Action Steps

There is no simple solution to abuse of the 911 system and the strain that EMS professionals experience, but here are ways you can join the cause and make an impact.

Reach Out to Your Representatives

Significant change needs to take place in emergency services. Local, state, and federal legislature can help protect both patients and professionals and shape the future of the EMS profession for the better. NAEMT keeps close tabs on EMS-related legislature on their advocacy webpage (naemt.org/advocacy), so you can research specific bills and look up your representative all in one convenient place.

Advocate for Community Paramedicine

Community paramedicine is an emerging field in healthcare where some EMS providers, including EMTs and paramedics, are designated to perform “home visits” to those requiring primary care or preventative care. This alleviates the strain on the 911 paramedics by reducing their non-emergency transports. Rural communities would significantly benefit from this model, as they often call 911 because they have no other medical provider available.


Expand Mental Health Services

Lack of mental health services negatively impacts EMS professionals and their patients. People suffering from debilitating mental health issues may have nowhere to go to receive treatment, so they call 911 and often abuse the system. However, EMS also face mental health challenges due to their stressful work. Contact representatives and inform them that mental health services must be expanded and support relevant legislation.

Opportunities for Upward Mobility

EMS leaders are advocates for themselves and the EMS professionals employed. However, the EMS career ladder can be confusing, as there’s not always a clear next step for career advancement. The National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC) is exploring creating graduate degrees to give EMS clinicians greater authority in a medical emergency (authority to prescribe or refer patients). EMS leaders should be the best they can be and pour into the next generation of leaders so EMS keeps its talented young professionals.

Public Relations Campaigns

The public should be aware of the proper use of the 911 system. Education initiatives in schools and community centers could help patients know when calling an ambulance is appropriate and what the alternatives are when an ambulance is not necessary but medical help is still needed.

 

At Master Medical Equipment, our mission is to equip first responders to save more lives, one relationship at a time. We equip EMS professionals with resources; not just capital medical equipment, but also by raising awareness and promoting issues including wages, burnout, staffing, mental health, and daily abuse of the 911 system. We’re asking you to join the fight alongside us. Join the conversation on social media and let us know how we can help you share your story.