How to use an AED machine the right way!

An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a medical device that gives the heart an electric shock when someone’s heart has stopped and they go into cardiac arrest.

The great thing about an AED machine is that you can use it on children over one year old and adults of any age.

Ambulances have them on board, but using an AED in the minutes before an ambulance arrives can double someone’s chances of survival. So it is up to you to think quickly and find the nearest AED.

If you would like access to an AED at all times, why not buy one for your home or office? Supply Doctor’s online medical supply store has a wide range of AED machines to choose from, plus even a training manikin to practice on! Take a look today and place your order.

Many public places keep an AED as part of their first aid equipment. Places such as shopping centres, train stations, airports, offices and schools. If you don’t have access to an AED and you haven’t purchased one for yourself yet, then it is time to call the emergency personnel and do ordinary CPR until the ambulance arrives.

So, how do you use an AED device? An AED device is pretty simple to use, and you can use it with no training at all. The machine will analyse someones heart rhythm and then use visual or voice prompts to guide you through each step.

     ´        First, make sure someone has called for an ambulance, and if an AED isn’t immediately available, give CPR until someone can bring you an AED.

     ´        As soon as you’ve got an AED, switch it on! It will immediately start to give you a series of visual and verbal prompts informing you of what you need to do. Follow these prompts until the ambulance arrives or someone with more experience can take over.

     ´        Take the pads out of the sealed pack. Remove or cut through the clothing and wipe away any sweat from the chest.

     ´        Remove the backing paper and attach the pads to their chest.

     ´        Place the first pad on their upper right side, just below their collarbone as shown on the pad.

     ´        Then place the second pad on their left side just below the armpit. Make sure you position the pad lengthways, with the long side in line with the length of their body.

     ´        Once you have done this, the AED will start checking the heart rhythm. Make sure that no one is touching the person. Continue to follow the voice / visual prompts that the machine gives you until help arrives.

What to expect at your baby’s 12 month check-up

Taking your baby to regular doctor’s check-ups is so important for them. However it can be a bit scary and you’ll probably want to prepare for what the doctor will ask you… For reliable, affordable home medical equipment to use on your baby, such a thermometers or scales - contact Supply Doctor today!

Here’s what to expect at your baby’s 12 month check-up:

What the doctor will do

~ Weigh and measure your baby

You'll need to undress your baby completely for weighing. The doctor weighs your baby, measures length and head circumference, and plots the numbers on a growth chart. The chart enables you and your doctor to track your baby's rate of growth.

~ Do a complete physical

Heart and lungs: Uses a stethoscope to listen for any abnormal heart rhythms or breathing problems.

Eyes: Checks for signs of congenital eye conditions and other problems. Your doctor may also check for blocked tear ducts and discharge.

Ears: Looks for signs of infection and observes how your baby responds to sound.

Mouth: Looks for signs of infection and any new teeth, among other things.

Head: Checks the soft spots (fontanels) and the shape of your baby's head.

Body: Checks your baby's reflexes and muscle tone, and examines his skin for rashes and paleness. Pale skin is a sign of iron-deficiency anaemia which babies are at high risk for between 9 and 24 months.

Belly: Presses gently on the abdomen to check for a hernia or enlarged organs.

Genitals: Opens your baby's diaper and checks for signs of infection.

Hips and legs: Moves your baby's legs around to look for problems in the hip joints.

~ Give your baby their shots

An assistant may administer the vaccines. This is usually done at the end of the appointment so you can have some privacy afterward to comfort your baby.

~ Address any other concerns

The doctor will order a blood test for iron-deficiency anaemia and assess your child's risk of lead exposure and order a blood test to screen for it, if necessary.

The doctor will address any other concerns (such as questions about vitamins and treating falls, cuts and scrapes), ask you some questions and help you understand what's normal at this age.

This doctor visit worksheet can help you prepare for your child's next appointment. You may want to read through the questions and jot down answers beforehand. Download a printable version of the doctor visit worksheet to take with you.

4 reasons why regular doctor’s visits are vital

The rising cost of healthcare combined with busy work schedules means that many people put off regular doctor’s check-ups. But the hard truth of the matter is that regular doctors' visits can mean the difference between life and death.

It is essential that you have regular medical, eye and dental check-ups if you want to live a long and healthy life. Doctors are able to spot issues early on as well as offer practical advice on healthy living. Not convinced? Read on for information on some of the many ways doctors' visits are so important.

  v  Prevention is better than cure

Regular check-ups will provide doctors with a way to spot any health issues early on. Check-ups incorporate several tests, including preventative screenings and physical examinations, to check patients' current health and risks. If any problems are found, your doctor will provide information on treatment plans and ways that you can prevent health issues in the future. 

Popular health checks include:

      ®     Cervical smear tests (Pap tests) for women

      ®     Blood pressure tests

      ®     Cholesterol level checks

      ®     Body mass index (BMI) and obesity tests

      ®     Diabetes checks

If you have any more specific health concerns, then your doctor will be able to advise you on these and conduct the proper checks.

If you’re a doctor or you simply want some reliable medical equipment at home – Take a look at Supply Doctor’s online medical supply store! 

  v  Cut healthcare costs

For many, the thought of a large doctor's bill is enough to put off scheduling a check-up. However, there are several ways that you can find great savings on health care. Check-ups could also save you plenty of money in the long run as they help to minimize the risk of potential health issues that will lower the risks for surgery or more extensive medical care in the future. 

  v  Dental care

As well as appointments with a doctor, you should also schedule visits to the dentist. It can be a tricky task knowing how often you should visit the dentist. While many say that visits should be made every six months, those with dental problems may need to have their teeth checked more regularly.

Good oral health plays an important role in the overall health of your body. After all, inflammatory gum disease can lead to tooth loss, while bacteria build-up in the mouth has been said to put you at increased risk of heart disease. In addition to having regular appointments with the dentist, you should maintain a good oral care regime that includes frequent brushing and flossing.

  v  Eye care

While doctors are able to provide some information about eye issues, it is important for people of all ages to schedule vision and eye care tests. Optometrists and eye doctors can check for glaucoma and provide vision reports and possible glasses or contact lens prescriptions, should you need them. 

People between 50 and 65 should have eye checks at least every two years, while those over the age of 65 should have a test every year. People with increased risk of having eye issues should talk to their eye doctor to see how often they should visit.

You can lower your chances of developing health issues in the future by maintaining a healthy diet; exercising regularly; having a good oral health routine; and booking regular medical, dental and eye check-ups.

Shocking surgical items that have been left inside patients!

Other than removing the wrong kidney or something like that, the worst thing a surgeon could possibly do is leave something inside of you that doesn’t belong there! While this is rare, almost 800 patients have had surgical instruments left inside of them, leading to readmission, additional surgeries, abscesses, intestinal fistulas, obstructions, visceral perforations and even death.

Studies have estimated that this happens once in every 5500 to 7000 surgeries, and a typical hospital has about two of these incidents each year.

It is not surprising that these mistakes are expensive ones. In 2007, the average price of removing one of these items was $63 631 plus let’s not forget the lawsuits which can run from about $2 million to $5 million.

The most common item that is left behind is usually a surgical sponge, those small squares of gauze that are used to mop up blood. Traditionally, nurses keep track of sponges by counting them before and after surgeries. But sponges can be hard to find when they are soaked in blood and tucked away out of sight; they are often left in the abdomen, pelvis and thoracic cavity.

In the past, hospitals used X-rays and bar codes to help detect lost material, but the best detection system is radiofrequency! Each piece of gauze has a tiny chip sewn into a pocket and operating room personnel can use a wand to detect whether a sponge has been left inside.

A recent study found that this technology helped locate 23 sponges left behind in nearly 3000 patients over 11 months.

However, sponges are not the only items being left inside patients. Equipment like sponges, towels, needles, instruments, retractors and other small items and fragments of tools have been found in patients.

In one of the most shocking cases, 16 objects were left in the body of a German patient named Dirk Schroeder. After a routine prostate cancer surgery, Schroeder experienced poor recovery and intense pain. It took several weeks for doctors to discover that objects had been left inside his body. These included a needle, a six-inch roll of bandage, a compress, swabs and even part of a surgical mask.

It seems like it is time for stricter, more standardised counting systems that involve all member of the hospital team, including surgeons, nurses, techs, anaesthesiologists, and radiologists.

Looking for quality, affordable medical instruments? Take a look at Supply Doctor's online medical store and place your order - just make sure not to leave them inside your patients!