August 2004 Hot Shots

Vehicle Electronic and Control System

Ambulances are not simple machines. There’s a lot that can go wrong on your vehicle. Keeping a handle on such things is the point of the Command Zone electronics and control system now being incorporated into Medtec ambulances. Based on multiplexing technology, the Command Zone system delivers real-time information on vehicle operation and diagnostics, allowing drivers to monitor system voltage, current, oxygen pressure and more. As well, advanced diagnostics mean easier troubleshooting for maintenance personnel. The standard display package features a monochromatic LCD screen in the cab; a deluxe alternative features 7" color monitors in the cab and patient compartment. The Command Zone system is offered on Medtec Additional Duty Type I and Professional Duty Type III models. For more information, call 920/233-9621, or visit www.medtecambulance.com.

Secure Your AED

In a collision, objects flying around an ambulance can pose a great danger. Diversified Medical’s Defibrillator Mounting System is designed to secure defibrillators and protect users from potential safety issues with unsecured equipment. This unit will not only protect your unit’s valuable defibrillator, but will keep your service in compliance with laws mandating the use of mounting equipment in EMS vehicles. The holders offer fast access to the defibrillator and come in configurations for most external units on the market. Diversified works directly with the manufacturer during the development process of each defibrillator holder design. The company is a leading manufacturer and distributor of battery packs and batteries for hospital/medical equipment and communication equipment, as well as equipment holders. For more information, call 800/328-3773, or visit www.divmedical.com.

Custom-Designed Wheelchair-Accessible Vans

Ambulances are your vehicle of choice, but sometimes you need a different kind of ride. National Van is an industry leader in specialty vehicles and a premium manufacturer of custom-designed wheelchair-accessible vans, ambulettes, paratransit and shuttle vans. It also offers buses, ambulances and mini-vans. For more information, call 800/527-7477, or visit www.nationalvans.com.

Trauma Bags for Adults, Kids

GO Manufacturing Innovations (GMI) has introduced a new line of adult and pediatric trauma bags designed to provide rescue personnel with equipment protection, versatility, standardization and durability. The bags offer such features as a durable plastic insert to protect internal contents while providing the expandability and convenience of storage compartments; removable color-coded pouches that allow customization, standardization and ease of use; and a 10-year unconditional warranty covering breakage, workmanship and other defects. For more information, call 314/664-0164, or visit www.gomfginnovations.com.

FDA Approves Pediatric AED Capability

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given 510(k) marketing clearance for the new pediatric capability in Zoll’s AED Plus automated external defibrillator. The new pediatric capability includes voice prompts that tell rescuers what type of electrodes—adult or pediatric—are connected, as well as separate and specific algorithms to analyze the heart rhythms of adults and children. Pediatric-specific energy levels have also been incorporated. The AED Plus automatically adjusts defib energy levels so that appropriate doses are delivered. This capability, for children up to age eight, is now available to customers and distributors in the U.S. and worldwide. For more information, call 800/348-9011, or visit www.zoll.com.

Adaptable BVM Ventilation

It takes two to ventilate: you and your patient. By responding to both of you, the new Smart Bag MO, from O-Two Medical Technologies, allows the provision of consistent ventilations while significantly reducing the risk of gastric insufflation. By responding to the rescuer’s squeeze of the bag-valve mask, the Smart Bag MO limits the excessive flow of gas into the patient’s airway, reducing the risk of gastric insufflation by lowering the airway pressure generated. Should the rescuer oversqueeze the bag, a red warning indicator will appear in the window of the neck of the patient valve. If the patient’s airway resistance and/or compliance changes, so does the response of the Smart Bag MO, decreasing the resistance to flow from the BVM, allowing the rescuer to exert the required pressure on the patient’s airway to overcome any change. For more information, call 800/387-3405, or visit www.otwo.com.

Finding Those Elusive Veins

Sometimes veins are just hard to find. Widely used in hospitals, the Venoscope II and Neonatal Transilluminators are an affordable alternative for locating those elusive veins. Using the Venoscope II, clinicians can quickly locate suitable veins for IV therapy or blood draws, saving time and reducing wasted materials. Fewer sticks means happier patients and safer, more comfortable procedures. The Transilluminators use a high-intensity light projected into the subcutaneous tissue. The vein absorbs the light in contrast to the surrounding tissue, and presents as a dark line. This makes it easy to assess suitable veins for IV therapy and blood draws. The Transilluminators come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. For more information, call 800/284-7655, or visit www.venoscope.com.

Suit Blends Chem, Thermal Protection

Chemical protection or thermal protection? It’s no longer an either/or proposition. At June’s IAFC Hazmat Conference, DuPont unveiled its Tychem ThermoPro, a single-layer suit that provides protection from both flash fire and chemicals. Functional features of the Tychem ThermoPro include lightweight fabrication, a respirator-fit hood and hooded coverall design. DuPont combined thermal- and chemical-protection technologies to create the suit: The company’s Tychem barrier technology was integrated with its flame-resistant Nomex fabric for a suit that won’t burn, melt or drip. The thermal protection is permanent, and won’t wash out or wear away; the suit also resists permeation by a broad range of industrial chemicals and potential chemical-warfare agents. The Tychem ThermoPro has been submitted for NFPA certification. For more information, call 800/931-3456, or visit https://personalprotection.dupont.com.

Easy Pharynx Clearance

Effectively clearing the pharynx is one of the most critical basic rescue skills. Suction-Easy is a simple, inexpensive solution to facilitate this aspect of airway management. It features a unique double-valved design that allows continuous operation with one hand, while the other hand directs the suction tip through the patient’s oropharynx. A consistent vacuum force is applied with each squeeze of the bulb, and the material drawn into the bulb is expelled into an attached collection bag. Users maintain excellent visibility throughout the procedure. Suction-Easy is approximately one-third the size and weight of other leading oral suction brands. For more information, call 877/586-9584, or visit www.spiritmd.com.