Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 16.1
Clinical engineering jump kit.
There are many critical medical devices in a
hospital. Some of these devices such as lasers
may not be required during an emergency situa-
tion. Other devices such as ventilators may be in
short supply. It is important for every hospital to
determine what its critical (typically life support)
technologies are and assure sufficient inventory to
meet daily needs in a cost-effective manner. If a
hospital is typically renting ventilators on a daily
basis, ventilators will be in short supply in a crisis.
Hospitals consist of many clinical departments.
Typically it
each department to function in a crisis mode
and continue to deliver patient care. Based on
the hospital, the community and the department
each will be unique in some manner. There are
similarities.
Is there sufficient emergency power for all
departments to provide a minimal level of emer-
gency functionality? This is not just the critical
care areas, but support areas such as pharmacy and
laboratory. Are the proper devices connected to
emergency power circuits? An excellent example
are blood bank refrigerators and bone freezers. Are
is best
to review the needs of
