Q: We are looking at taking an active role by working with our nurses to help them learn how to use the equipment and how to address common problems. Can anybody offer some tips? Has anybody else done this and had success?
A: Try using sales guys for in-services.
A: I have had at least some success with this sort of thing. Generally, I find it better to go over any training or information first with the department manager so they can help resolve the issue with their staff. I then follow up by performing a general training presentation during department meetings.
Q: What do others do for manual BPs? Do you test for accuracy? Is a PM called for?
A: Is the needle centered in the small window of the manual manometer? You can in-line with a b/p checker you do not need a PM.
A: Historically, we have just used the simple ‘cal. Box’ rule. Welch Allyn actually does call for “annual validation” in their literature. We have started tracking with a calibrated pressure manometer for those clinics and departments that specifically request.
Q: What is a great gift for a first-year biomed who recently started his/her first job? Is there an ideal piece of test equipment or something else that every biomed should have? What would you want?
A: I would say either a Pronk SL-8 SimSlim patient simulator stick, a set of Torx security screwdrivers or a good Brother label maker.
A: A nice quarter-inch SAE and Metric socket set along with a screwdriver set (Philips, Standard and Torx). And when I say nice, I am talking Craftsman, Snap-On or Mac Tools.
A: The gift I would love to get is a tool kit that I got from Philips when I first started. The tool kit part number is 4522 500 66171. This toolkit has been with me now for about 10 years and it’s pretty much all I use on a day-to-day basis. I have added some additional pieces over the years, of course.
A: Leatherman multi-tool.
A: There’s no better tool companion than the Leatherman Wave. In more than 15 years as a Biomed, its the first tool I reach for when responding to service calls.
A: A good electronics technician tool kit would be nice, but they can be expensive. I would advise you to check out techni-tools website.
A: I second the Leatherman surge multi tool (Grainger P/N # 9UED0 Est $120). You can find them cheaper than Grainger. Also, a Mag light flashlight, LED, black, 245 L, AA (Grainger P/N # 19G664 Est $ 35-40). Again, you can find them cheaper than Grainger. Both are in a holster (Black, Clip Pock-its XL Utility Holster Grainger P/N # 1JUF3 $20) on my hip. If I do not have my Leatherman and flashlight when I leave home in the morning, I will go back.
A: Streamlight LED flashlight.
A: I think the ifixit pro tech toolkit is very good. It is a wonderful kit to own for anyone involved in electronic repair.
A: If this is a serious tech, you might consider giving him/her the “Affinity Reference for Biomedical Engineers” from GE Healthcare. It’s an update of the original from Marquette Medical, and is a nice reference. It’s not as entertaining as a T-shirt with biomed humor on it, but it’ll last longer.
A: A precision screwdriver set both standard Philips- and flat-head as well as Torx. A screwdriver that is reversible between a #1 and #2 that flips around in the handle and can also be used as a nutdriver if the bit is removed (most of us have a Zoll one that came with our purchase of M-Series defibs about 8 years ago for assembly). A soldering iron station (couple different sizes of solder, a flux pen, solder suck, solder wick and tip cleaner). A socket set or sets (quarter-inch to half-inch drive). A long Philips- and flat-head screwdriver. A kit for repairing power plug ends (wire strippers and dikes). A cordless screwdriver. An anti-static bagless vacuum cleaner. A laptop computer. I believe if you have these tools, you can do most of what you need. As most have said, you can cut down on some tools by purchasing a decent Leatherman pocket tool.
