I am trying to be better organized as I travel overseas to perform repairs and training of local biomeds. When we travel overseas, we do not know exactly what types of equipment we will work on, much less what different manufacturers, models or vintages of equipment we will find. Even more than this, we are not sure which nation of origin the equipment we find will be from –Israel, Germany, Korea, China?
In order to have everything we need, I have stumbled upon a concept of putting together a traveling PM/Repair kit for the major types of medical equipment we will find overseas. My idea is to put together a suitcase for each type of medical equipment, for example Patient Monitor. In this suitcase will be everything that a biomed could possibly need to test the performance of any type of patient monitor they might find. It should also include many of the commonly found replaceable parts that wear out, like filters.
For example, in a Patient Monitor Kit, one would certainly need an ECG simulator, a wide assortment of patient cables and lead wires, an NIBP simulator, NIBP hoses and cuffs and adapters and the appropriate simulators for pulse oximetry and invasive pressure, as well as temperature.
In my plan, there would be a Kit for:
• Anesthesia
• Ventilators (may be the same as Anesthesia)
• Infant Incubators and Warmers
• Infusion and Syringe Pumps
• Sterilizers (tabletop and large)
• Electrosurgery and cautery devices
• X-ray (rad and portable)
• X-ray (C-Arm and R&F)
• Laboratory, basic (centrifuges warmers, microscopes)
• OR lights and tables
I have a list, but am asking for help from TechNation readers. If you are a specialist in any of these areas and had to travel to another country, without knowing what models you would find, put together a list of things you would want to carry with you.
Play this game. The rules of the game are:
1. Human life depends upon your success, so you need to be successful.
2. You may only use what you carry with you. This includes tools, test devices, chemicals, test jigs, hardware, rubber goods.
3. You will have access to the equipment only. Do not count on having any of the accessory cables, cords or external consumables to make it work.
4. You will have a strict budget to purchase items.
5. You will have a baggage limit.
6. You will not have access to any stores (Lowe’s or Radio Shack) or other resources.
The goal of the game is to assemble a complete list of items that you would take with you to assure maximum success on the widest possible models of equipment.
Do you accept the challenge? If so send your idea to BWOB@plynch.us. The first 50 people to submit a list will receive a $5 Amazon gift card from TechNation.