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www.pnsystem.com page 7 MEDICAL DEVICES, HOME MEDICAL EQUIPMENT PRECAUTIONS Medical Devices or Equipment, such as Oxygen, Glucometer, Supplies, Ambulation Devices, etc, can lead to serious problems, including incorrect or delayed diagnosis and treatment or patient injuries. Please follow : * Use & Look after all Devices, Inspect all Devices before use, select the correct, comfortable one, Ensure that the Device is working properly and set up safely, our staff must monitor the progress/function of the Device, in the event of a problem know how to respond to reduce the risks. * Get any damaged Device checked by authorized technician * Store Devices safely * Keep any battery operated Device charged up * Check that the Device is regularly maintained * Check that any disposables are appropriate & safe to use * Remember, a safe medical device is one that does not injure a patient, user or caregiver. HELP PREVENT ERRORS IN YOUR CARE, BE INVOLVED Everyone has a role in making health care safe. That includes family members, caregivers, doctors and health care professionals. Home care organizations all across the country are working to make health care safe. As the patient, you can make your care safer by being an active, involved and informed member of your health care team. Speak up if you have questions or concerns. If you still don’t understand, ask again. It’s your body and you have a right to know. Pay attention to the care you get. Make sure you get the right treatments and medicines by the right home care professional. Don’t assume anything. Educate yourself about your condition. Learn about the home care services you will get. Learn about your care plan. Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate (advisor or supporter). Know what medicines you take. Know why you take them. Medicine errors are the most common health care mistakes. Use a home care organization that has been carefully checked out. Participate in all decisions about your treatment and the home care services you receive. You are the center of the health care team. BASIC SAFETY GUIDELINES: HOME ENVIRONMENT Many accidents can be prevented in the home by following a few basic suggestions. Because we are concerned for your health and safety, we offer the following recommendations: Remove scattered rugs to avoid falls. Be sure there are no frayed edges on carpeting, Keep all pathways clear and uncluttered to prevent falls and avoid the risk of fire hazard. Do not overload electrical outlets, and do not hide cords under carpeting, All stairs/ramps should have hand rails and non-skid surface, In the kitchen, avoid loose-fitting clothing when using stove; use pot-holders or insulated kitchen mitts to handle hot items. Keep cooking utensils within easy reach; whenever possible, sit while doing kitchen chores to prevent falls caused by becoming over-tired. In the bathroom, use non-slip rugs or carpeting to prevent falling on wet floors; use non-slip strips or mats in the tub. Always test water temperature before entering tub or shower. Water temperature should be 120 degrees or less. Use grab bars, shower chairs and/ or raised toilet seats for client who is very ill, weak, and/or tires easily. At night, use a night light to prevent falling in the dark. Keep telephone and other items that may be needed during the night on a bedside stand, within easy reach . Install smoke detectors on all home levels; keep a fire extinguisher in home; learn how to use it properly. Plan a fire emergency escape route, and practice leaving your home by that route to avoid unnecessary loss of time and unnecessary stress should a real fire emergency occur. If use of oxygen is necessary in the home, be sure you are instructed as to what to do during an emergency situation. POST FIRE AND OTHER EMERGENCY NUMBERS ON OR BY THE TELEPHONE HOME SAFETY AND EMERGENCY EXIT PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS: In case of fire, do you have an emergency exit plan and an alternate exit plan? * Once a fire starts, it spreads quickly and there may be a great deal of confusion, it is important for everyone to know what to do. * Develop an emergency exit plan *Choose a meeting place outside your home to be sure everyone has exited safely. * Practice the plan to ensure that everyone can escape quickly and safely. ALL HOME AREAS: Check all areas of your home for any frayed cords, check all electrical and telephone cords; remove rugs, runners and mats which can cause falls. Check all smoke detectors, electrical outlets and switches to ensure they are in good working condition. Practice your emergency exit plan with all members of your household. RECOMMENDATIONS : * Arrange furniture so that outlets are near lamps & appliances. * Minimize the use of extension cords. If used, extension cords/telephone cords should always be placed on floor against wall to avoid tripping over them. Furniture resting on cords, nails and staples can cause damage and create fire and shock hazards. Electric cords which run under carpeting may cause a fire. Remove cords, nails and staples from under furniture and carpeting, check for damaged wiring. Use tape to attach cords to walls/floors. * If an extension cord is needed, use one having sufficient amp or wattage rating. * If the rating on a cord is exceeded because of the power requirements of one/more appliances being used on the cord, change cord to higher rated one or unplug some appliances. DO NOT USE FRAYED CORDS! BEDROOM AREAS: RECOMMENDATIONS : Are lamps/switches within reach of each bed? * Lamps/switches should be located close to people during periods of darkness to see where they are going. * Rearrange furniture so that lamps/switches are closer to beds * Install night lights. Are cigarettes, ashtrays, and lighters located away from beds/bedding? * Burns are a leading cause of death , smoking in bed is a major potential fire source ( hot plates, teapots, etc. are major contributo rs to this problem ) . * Never smoke in bed. * Remove any possible source of heat/flames from areas around beds. SMOKE DETECTORS QUESTIONS Are smoke detectors properly located? RECOMMENDATIONS: There should be a smoke detector located on every floor of your home. Follow manufacturer’s instructions/advice for the best place to install your device. Place detectors near ceiling or 6-12 inches below ceiling on the wall. Smoke detectors should be placed away from air vents. Fire injuries and deaths are often caused by smoke and toxic gases, rather than by the fire itself. Smoke detectors provide early warning in the event of a fire. If you are unable to purchase a fire detector, some fire departments and/or local governments will provide assistance in acquiring and installing smoke detectors. Purchase a smoke detector if you do not have one, or call your local fire department for further information. Check and replace batteries and bulbs as directed by manufacturer. Replace any detector that c an not be repaired. Vacuum the grillwork of your smoke detector. sample