If you have ever worked in an ICU, ER, or any busy medical environment, you know that operational medical equipment is non-negotiable. One moment, a ventilator is saving a life. The next, a patient monitor alerts the team to a critical change. In acute care, there is no time for guesswork - and certainly no time for broken equipment.
That is why taking care of your medical equipment is not just a good idea. It is essential.
In this post we will examine:
Maintaining medical equipment through regular inspections, cleaning, calibration, and repairs is vital to:
Healthcare providers who prioritize medical equipment maintenance typically have higher standards of care and operational efficiency that, by extension, help improve patient outcomes and facility reputation.
Here are some best practices for prioritizing medical equipment maintenance:
We get it - things are busy, and preventive maintenance might not always feel urgent. But skipping service can turn into real problems - fast.
Preventive maintenance is the backbone of equipment longevity.
Equipment that is used around the clock needs regular TLC to stay reliable. In acute care environments that demand optimally functioning medical equipment at all times device failure and the associated downtime can have profound consequences.
Here are some best practices to facilitate getting into the habit of regular preventive maintenance:
One of the fastest ways to wear out equipment is improper use. Even experienced staff can misuse devices if they are unfamiliar with the newest model.
Keep training short, focused, and practical:
Improper use is one of the most common causes of premature equipment failure. Ensuring that clinical staff are well-trained helps protect both patients and devices.
Bonus tip: If a device is not functioning properly, encourage staff to say something early - before it turns into a bigger issue.
We all know infection control is non-negotiable. But the wrong cleaner or technique can damage sensitive parts on even the most robustly constructed devices.
Always use cleaning solutions approved by the manufacturer and follow their instructions - even if it takes a few extra minutes. Routine cleaning and sterilization also helps prevent buildup that can affect functionality or sensors.
Pro tip: Make deep cleaning part of your weekly or monthly routine, depending on how often a device is used.
You can spot a lot with a quick visual check. Regular visual inspections can catch small problems before they escalate.
Look for things like:
Documentation is not just about ticking boxes - it is about knowing the full story of each piece of equipment.
Be sure to record:
Documentation helps with compliance, yes - but it also helps assure accountability.
Some things, like recalibrating defibrillators or servicing imaging systems, are best left to certified technicians.
Do not risk DIYing something that could put patients at risk.
When to outsource:
When equipment is not in use, it still deserves care.
At the end of the day, maintaining medical equipment is not just the job of biomed equipment technicians (BMETs) or facilities - it is everyone’s responsibility. When your team values and respects the tools they use, patients benefit.
Maintaining acute care equipment is an ongoing responsibility that pays dividends in safety, efficiency, and cost savings.
By building a culture of equipment care, healthcare facilities can reduce downtime, extend device lifespans, and provide a higher standard of care.
Biomedical services have been a core part of CME for more than 45 years - and for good reason. In today’s healthcare environment, advanced medical equipment plays a vital role in delivering accurate diagnoses, effective treatments, and life-saving care. That is why it is essential for medical equipment to always be in top working condition.
CME’s expertise in biomedical equipment makes us a valuable partner to healthcare facilities. Our biomedical equipment technicians can support your in-house team by inspecting equipment upon arrival, assisting with annual preventive maintenance, calibration, and asset tagging.
About CME: CME Corp is the nation’s premier source for healthcare equipment, turnkey logistics, and biomedical services, representing 2 million+ products from more than 2,000 manufacturers. With 24 locations strategically positioned across the country and increasing, we are readily accessible to our customers. Our mission is to help healthcare facilities nationwide reduce the cost of the equipment they purchase, make their equipment specification, delivery, installation, and maintenance processes more efficient, and help them seamlessly launch, renovate and expand on schedule.