In order to assess the overall health and wellness of a patient, it’s essential to check their vital signs. Whether they are collected during a routine exam or at the scene of an accident, vital signs can reveal how a person’s body is reacting at any given moment.
Paramedics, first responders, nurses, doctors, and other health practitioners all use vital signs as a benchmark for a patient’s status.
Vital signs that might be monitored include:
- Pulse
- Blood Pressure
- Respirations
- Temperature
- Pulse Oximetry
- Non-Invasive Blood Pressure (NIBP)
- Invasive Blood Pressure (IBP)
- Heart Rate
In a non-clinical setting, vitals can be taken by hand using only a few pieces of equipment such as a blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, and thermometer. In a clinical setting, vitals are taken more carefully and regularly with electronic monitoring equipment, which is much more sophisticated and sensitive to the patient’s health status.
Important Vital Monitors for Clinics and Hospitals
There are many vital sign monitors available today. They range in size, capability, reporting and more.
Here are some of the important vital sign monitors you’d find in a clinical setting:
General Vital Sign Monitor - This type of machine provides motoring of pulse oximetry, heart rate and blood pressure.
EEG and Vital Signs Monitor - These machines are specific to monitoring the heart rate, strength, oxygen in the blood and blood pressure. They are commonly found in heart clinics or when a patient is complaining of chest pain.
EEG EKG NIBP Monitors – These machines are similar to the above, but they are specifically for heart monitoring. Patients may be hooked up to these machines for longer periods of time, especially if they are in critical condition.
Anesthesia and Vital Signs Monitor – Used during surgery, these machines ensure the patient receives the correct amount of anesthetic, that they are breathing properly, that they are getting enough oxygen in the blood stream, and that their blood pressure remains stable throughout the surgery.
What to Look for in Vital Signs Monitoring Machines
When searching for vital sign monitors for your practice, hospital or clinic, you’ll want to consider how the machine will be used, which vital signs will need to be recorded, and how often. Hospitals often have multiple versions of these machines available and many well-stocked clinics will also have at least one of these machines available to make vital monitoring easy and accurate.
In a clinic setting, vital monitoring machines are often stationary or placed on a cart. If they are used for ambulances or first responders, they’ll need a compact version. If the machine will be moved around, you’ll want to ensure it have a powerful battery life. If they will be stationary for the most part, you’ll want to be able to plug it in for maximum monitoring power, while also ensuring they have a battery backup to allow you to move it with the patient if necessary.
If your budget is tight, don’t forget that refurbished patient monitoring equipment is just as trustworthy and valuable as new machines. Future Health Concepts offers a full line of vital sign & anesthesia monitoring with its new and refurbished patient monitors.
Future Health Concepts (FHC) has been serving the medical community with new and refurbished medical equipment for 40 years. Our primary refurbished products are sterilizers, washers/disinfectors, and operating room tables. Other quality refurbished medical products are anesthesia machines, patient monitors, defibrillators, ESU, and rigid and flexible video systems along with many other products. Our clients’ satisfaction is of the utmost importance to us. We will work to try to exceed your expectations when it comes to equipment needs to develop a long-term relationship with your facility.
To find out more about our product options, including new and used equipment, call us today at 1-888-282-8644.