Essential Healthcare Equipment for Patient & Staff Safety

Safety is the cornerstone of healthcare. Medical facilities are tasked with safeguarding the well-being of patients, staff, and visitors, making the use of safety equipment and medical equipment engineered with safety features non-negotiable.

From protecting against infections to preventing accidents, equipment with safety features or whose purpose is safety have an essential role in protecting everyone associated with healthcare environments.

This article, although not exhaustive, will explore healthcare equipment commonly used in medical settings to help ensure the safety of patients and staff, highlighting its features, benefits, and the ways it protects patients and healthcare workers.

Disinfectants and Sanitization Equipment Used in Medical Facilities

Hygiene is the cornerstone of healthcare safety simply because effective disinfection can prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) to patients and staff. To comply with CDC standards and regulations established to address HAIs, medical facilities may use a variety of disinfectants and sterilization systems to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.

UV Light Sanitizing Equipment

This equipment is used to disinfect surfaces and air in patient rooms, operating rooms, and other areas by emitting ultraviolet C (UVC) light, which effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi by damaging their DNA. UV light is particularly effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA, VRE, and C. difficile.

There are several types of UV light sanitizing equipment:

• Surface disinfection: UV light can be used on surfaces like countertops, bedside tables, medical equipment, doorknobs, and even inside drawers and cabinets. 
• Room disinfection devices: Portable UV devices can be wheeled into empty patient rooms to disinfect the entire space, reaching areas that might be missed with manual cleaning. 
• Upper room UV lights: Some hospitals use UV lights mounted in the ceiling of patient rooms to disinfect the air by circulating airborne pathogens through the UV light.

Surface Disinfectants: EPA-approved solutions for high-touch areas such as:

• Hydrogen peroxide: Effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. It can be used to disinfect surfaces, fabrics, and medical devices. 
• Peracetic acid: A strong oxidant that kills bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. It is often used in automated machines to sterilize medical equipment. 
• Quaternary ammonium compounds: Kill microorganisms by damaging their cell walls and membranes. They are often used to disinfect patient-care equipment. 
• Ethylene oxide: A sterilant used to sterilize heat- and moisture-sensitive instruments. 
• Glutaraldehyde: A high-level disinfectant that is cleared by the FDA. 
• Ortho-phthalaldehyde: A high-level disinfectant that is cleared by the FDA.

Patient Monitoring Equipment Used in Healthcare

Patient monitoring systems using digital technology are widely considered safety equipment in healthcare environments. By continuously monitoring vital signs, these systems can alert healthcare providers to significant changes in a patient's condition, allowing for timely interventions that can prevent complications. In many healthcare settings, patient monitoring is considered a minimum level of treatment or standard of care, particularly during critical procedures or for patients with unstable conditions.

A variety of devices measuring a patient's vital signs and other health parameters are considered safety equipment and include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors: Use electrodes to record the heart's electrical activity and detect abnormalities. 
• Vital signs monitors: Measure basic vitals like blood pressure, pulse rate, temperature, and oxygen saturation levels. 
• Continuous glucose monitors: Track blood sugar levels and how a patient responds to treatment. 
• Pulse oximeters: Measure oxygen levels in the blood 
• Thermometers: Measure body temperature 

Fall Prevention Equipment for Healthcare Facilities

Fall prevention equipment in healthcare refers to any device or system used to reduce the risk of a patient falling and includes the following equipment:

• Bed rails: Rails installed on the sides of a bed to prevent patients from rolling out. 
• Patient lifts: Mechanical devices used to safely lift patients from a bed or chair. 
• Transfer boards: Boards used to assist patients in transferring between surfaces like a bed and a chair 
• Bed alarms: Alarms that alert caregivers when a patient attempts to get out of bed without assistance 
• Grab bars: Bars installed in bathrooms and other areas to provide additional support for standing and walking 
• Non-slip mats: Mats placed on floors to improve traction and prevent slipping 
• Shower chairs: Chairs designed for use in the shower to provide stability while seated. 

Air Filtration and Ventilation Equipment used in Medical Facilities

Air filtration and ventilation systems in healthcare facilities clean the air and regulate the temperature which helps prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria. These systems are a key part of a facility’s infection control strategy.

Here are some common filtration and ventilation systems used in healthcare facilities:

• HEPA filters: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters remove airborne contaminants as small as 0.3 microns. 
• Gas-phase filters: Also known as carbon or molecular filters, these filters remove gases and odors. 
• Pre-filters and final filters: Many spaces in a hospital use a two-stage air filtration system with a pre-filter and a final filter. 
• Ultraviolet-C (UVC) fixtures: These ceiling-mounted fixtures disinfect the air by destroying particles and viruses. 
• Ventilation systems: Push out old air: Ventilation systems remove old air from a building and bring in clean air from outside.
• Air conditioning systems: These systems cool the air and filter it.
• HVAC systems: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems: These systems regulate airflow and temperature. They can also incorporate specialized components like HEPA filters.

Medical Sharps with Safety Features

Sharps are defined as any objects that can break the skin and include tools such as needles and scalpel blades. To protect healthcare staff, sharps designed with safety features and disposal equipment are essential for any healthcare environment where sharps are in use.

Here are examples of safety features common to sharps:

• Retractable needles: Needles that can be retracted or covered by a sheath or shield 
• Needleless systems: Devices that don't use a needle or sharp object 
• Shielded scalpels: Scalpels with a built-in shield or retracting mechanism

Often red, sharps disposal equipment is puncture resistant containers used to collect and safely dispose of used sharps. Most often made of rigid plastic, they are engineered with tight fitting lids, leak resistant seams, and full indicators to help prevent needlestick injuries to staff during disposal.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Used in Healthcare

When properly used, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) protects healthcare workers by creating a physical barrier between them and potentially infectious materials like blood, body fluids, or respiratory droplets. This barrier prevents contaminants from directly contacting the skin, mouth, nose, and eyes, minimizing the risk of infection or exposure to harmful substances.

The following are considered essential PPE:

Face Masks and Respirators:

Medical face masks and respirators offer features that protect the wearer from airborne particles and contaminants. These features include: 

• Fit: Surgical masks are loose-fitting, while N95 respirators are designed to fit closely around the face. 
• Filtration: N95 respirators are designed to filter airborne particles efficiently. 
• Seal: N95 respirators are designed to form a seal around the wearer's nose and mouth. 
• Fluid barrier: Surgical masks are designed to protect the wearer from fluids. 
• Flammability: Surgical masks meet flammability requirements. 

Gloves

Available in a variety of materials, medical gloves protect healthcare workers’ hands from biomedical, pharmaceutical, and chemical hazards by forming a barrier between the hazard and the skin.

• Latex: Made of natural rubber, latex gloves are elastic and comfortable. 
• Nitrile: A synthetic rubber that's durable, chemical resistant, and puncture resistant. These gloves are often referred to as “medical grade” and are quite common in healthcare facilities.
• Vinyl: A synthetic polymer that's cost-effective but less durable than latex or nitrile. 
• Neoprene: Resistant to many chemicals, including mineral acids, organic acids, and petroleum solvents. 
• Polyethylene (PE): A flexible polymer that is resistant to heat, chemicals, and electrical current. 

Gowns and Aprons:

Gowns and aprons are personal protective equipment (PPE) worn by healthcare workers to further protect themselves against infectious microorganisms and chemical hazards.

Gowns

PPE gowns are essential protective equipment used in healthcare settings to help prevent the spread of infectious agents. They offer the following benefits:

• Barrier protection: Gowns serve as a protective barrier between healthcare professionals and potential sources of contamination, such as body fluids, blood, or contaminated equipment.
• Infection control: By wearing gowns and changing them between patients, healthcare workers help prevent cross-contamination between patients, particularly in high-risk areas or procedures.
• Procedure-specific protection: Different levels of gowns are used based on the risk level of the procedure being performed.

Aprons

Disposable aprons also play a critical role in infection control and personal protection in hospital settings. They offer the following benefits:

• Barrier protection: Disposable aprons serve as a protective barrier between healthcare professionals and potential sources of contamination, such as body fluids, blood, or contaminated equipment.
• Infection control: By wearing a new apron for each patient or task, healthcare workers help prevent cross-contamination between patients, particularly in high-risk areas like intensive care units or emergency departments.
• Specific procedures: Aprons are often worn when staff expect to come in contact with patients, materials, or equipment that could lead to contamination of uniforms and clothing.
• Bodily fluid protection: Aprons are especially important when there is a risk of exposure to blood or other bodily fluids.
• Chemical protection: Aprons can also provide protection against chemicals used in healthcare settings.

Eye Protection

Healthcare workers use a variety of eye protections to shield their eyes from occupation hazards. The choice of eye protection is dependent on the specific hazards present in healthcare settings. Expected exposure to blood-borne pathogens, chemical splashes, or radiation are common scenarios requiring eye protection.

• Safety glasses: These glasses offer basic protection and can be worn over prescription lenses. They often feature wraparound designs and anti-fog lenses for better visibility.
• Safety goggles: This eye PPE offers a more comprehensive protection by completely covering the eyes and eye sockets, forming a sealed shield against liquids, chemicals, and airborne particles.
• Face shields: While not exclusively for eye protection, face shields cover the entire face and can be worn in conjunction with other eye protection devices.

Healthcare staff may also use eye protection specialized to their role in the medical setting. For example, medical professionals working with radiation-based technology typically use eyewear designed to protect against radiation.

Key Ergonomic Equipment Features for Healthcare Staff Safety

Medical equipment routinely used in the healthcare setting is increasingly engineered with ergonomic features to help reduce strain, discomfort, and the risk of injury to healthcare staff.

While listing all the medical equipment designed with ergonomic features is outside the scope of this article, there are several features to look for when evaluating equipment for ergonomic benefit: 

• Adjustability: Features that allow the equipment to be adjusted to fit the height and size. 
• Lightweight & Balanced Design: Lightweight equipment reduces fatigue and makes handling easier, especially during extended procedures.
• Comfort Features: Features such as contoured handles on tools to fit the natural grip of the hand.
• Anti-Fatigue Features: Features that offer sit-stand capabilities for desks.
• Swivel Casters: Features that make the equipment easy to move and position, especially in tight spaces, to help reduce physical strain on staff.
• Biomechanical Alignment: Tools and devices that align with the natural movements and posture of the human body to prevent strain. 
• Reduced force: Features such as push/pull bars on medical carts that reduce the amount of force required to use the equipment efficiently.

Equipment designed specifically for safety and equipment with safety features are used in hospitals and ASCs to help maintain a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors. From PPE to advanced monitoring systems and ventilation systems, this healthcare equipment not only protects patients but also ensures the well-being of healthcare providers and even the visitors to the facility. Investing in equipment with an eye to safety contributes to a facility’s ability to deliver the highest standards of care.

Partner with CME for Healthcare Equipment Focused on Patient & Staff Safety

As the United States’ largest equipment-only specialty distributor of equipment used in healthcare, we have built long term relationships with industry leading manufacturers of equipment designed to keep patients, staff, and visitors safe.

Our expert account managers will collaborate with you and the manufacturers’ representatives to help you equip your facility with healthcare equipment designed to ensure safety for everyone within its four walls as well as compliance with safety standards and regulations.

Complementing CME’s expert focus on equipment used in healthcare are project management, direct-to-site delivery, and biomedical services. We are the only medical equipment distributor nationwide, able to say we are truly a one-stop shop.

Order Management Services

Our single point of contact project management team helps streamline healthcare equipment procurement by working with facility administrators, procurement professionals, and manufacturers on your behalf to ensure delivery dates are met and any issues that may arise are resolved.

Direct-To-Site Logistics and Delivery Services

In addition to delivering healthcare equipment fully assembled when it is convenient for staff, CME Direct-to-Site services can off-set many of the person-hours associated with managing large orders by receiving, inspecting and warehousing the equipment for a single delivery. Our Direct-to-Site team will deliver assembled healthcare equipment to the service locations and remove all packing debris, so the equipment is ready for immediate use.

Biomedical Services

Biomedical services have been at the heart of CME for over forty-five years. We are the only medical equipment distributor nationwide with an in-house team of biomedical technicians available to perform asset tagging, asset validation, equipment check-in, preventative maintenance, and repair.

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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 two corporate offices and 35+ service centers, 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.