Many medical devices are used for diagnosis and treatment. Some of the medical devices used can work with batteries, while others can only work if electricity is available. Battery powered devices can also be used in the absence of electricity. It is necessary to use battery-operated devices during power cuts or patient transfers. Depending on the battery capacity, the duration of use without electricity also varies. Some precautions should be taken against power cuts in hospitals, ambulances and homes. In particular, battery-operated models of medical devices that need to be used uninterruptedly should be preferred. Some devices are used in emergencies. The fact that these are also battery-powered reduces life risks to some extent. Whether it is battery powered or not, together with medical devices in order to reduce the life risks in the absence of electricity. generator ve UPS (uninterruptible power supply) must use. The capacities and features of these devices should be compatible with the medical devices with which they are used. Otherwise, the problems that may occur may cause great damage.
Almost all hospitals have high capacity generators. These devices are in a position to meet all the electricity of the hospital. It is activated automatically in case of power cuts. It allows not only medical devices, but also systems such as lighting, air conditioning, ventilation, laboratory, operating room and intensive care in the hospital to operate uninterruptedly. In fact, some hospitals even have backup generators against the risk of failure of the existing generators. In this way, the risks posed by power cuts can be minimized.
In vehicles such as ambulances that enable the transfer of patients and intervention in emergency situations, there are systems that provide uninterrupted electricity with the power of the vehicle's engine. Despite the risk of engine failure of the vehicle, electrical support is provided by UPSs.
The situation may become a little more risky for medical devices used at home. For patients cared for at home and using medical devices, a power outage is very frightening. Necessary precautions should be taken in advance, especially for people who cannot breathe without a respirator. Although most of the devices used at home are battery powered, batteryless models more affordable may have been supplied. Relatives of patients who do not have sufficient information during the process of leaving the hospital may prefer battery-free devices because they are more affordable. On the other hand, long power outages pose a danger, even if the devices are battery powered.
With the advancement of technology, medical devices are also developing rapidly. Treatment and care can be continued at home by means of medical devices without going to the hospital and without the need for constant doctor control. Sensors, valves, electronic cards, batteries and accessories used in medical devices have become more durable and high quality over time. This increases the comfort of the patient and facilitates the home care process. This process should be seamless and seamless.
Some of the medical devices have internal and external batteries. These devices can also be used during power cuts. Since it is vital, those with a long battery life should be preferred. For example, in some models of home type mechanical ventilators used for the continuation of respiration, it is possible to use batteries up to 11-12 hours. This feature becomes very important in long-term power outages. Because if these devices do not work, the patient's breathing stops and there is a life-threatening risk. It is extremely important that not only mechanical ventilators, but also devices such as oxygen concentrators, surgical aspirators and pulse oximeters are battery powered. Also, whatever second hand medical device If it is to be supplied, the battery should be renewed.
Some of the medical devices that patients use during home care and that may pose a direct or indirect risk in power outages are as follows:
- mechanical ventilator
- PAP device
- oxygen concentrator
- Surgical aspirator
- Pulse oximeter
- bedside monitor
- Cool bed
- enteral nutrition pump
- coughing device
Generators (electricity generator) work on the principle of energy conversion. It generates electrical energy using fuels such as gasoline, diesel and natural gas. It is an electro-mechanical instrument. It is used in power cuts or when there is no electricity. The fuel to be used in generators must comply with EN 590 or ASTM D975 standards. The sulfur content in the fuel should be less than 0.5%. Otherwise, due to carbon interacting with sulfur generator and devices around the generator may be harmed.
Generators should be used in areas that have adequate ventilation and are not humid. Oxygen is required for the combustion reaction. Therefore, air circulation should be sufficient. In addition, a mechanism is required in which the exhaust fumes can be easily evacuated. In humid environments, generator parts can be damaged by rusting over time. Temperature and altitude are one of the most important factors affecting performance. Performing routine maintenance also ensures that the generators run smoothly. It should be noted that most generator models work quite noisy.
When the electricity is cut off automatically running generators available. If the generator does not have an automatic start feature, user intervention is required. It must be placed in a close position so that it can be started quickly. Thus, when a power outage occurs, the electricity needed by medical devices can be supplied from the generator in a very short time.
Some generators do not have a voltage regulator. Using this type of generator is very dangerous for medical devices. High voltage may damage the devices to which the generator is connected. Medical devices that need to be used uninterrupted may deteriorate in a way that may put the patient's life at risk. Devices that fail in this way may be out of warranty and may cause great material damage.
UPS, also known as uninterruptible power supply, is a device that provides electrical energy through the battery inside. UPS stands for “uninterruptible power supply”. Besides providing energy, it regulates electrical fluctuations and provides protection against high voltage risk. It does not have an engine like generators and does not need fuel. It works completely silently. It is constantly connected to the electrical outlet, thus recharging its batteries. As there are UPSs connected to the mains electricity thanks to solar panels There are also UPSs that can charge their batteries by converting the energy they receive from the sun into electrical energy.
The electrical energy is first transmitted to the UPS and then to the connected devices. If there is a power outage, the devices connected to the UPS are not affected and continue to work. Sometimes, even due to a lightning strike, the voltage value coming to the houses can increase. UPSs regulates electrical fluctuations and protects against the risk of high voltage for use with medical devices. Thus, patient safety is also increased.
In power outages, it takes a while for the generators to activate. This time may take minutes for some models. UPSs do not have such a waiting period. It continues to run devices without any interruptions. Since generators are used with an external fuel, they can produce energy as fuel is added. The electrical energy of UPSs is limited by their battery capacities. It can provide energy for a certain period of time. On the one hand, UPSs protect connected medical devices by regulating electrical fluctuations.
The total power consumption of medical devices that need to be used uninterruptedly should be calculated and a generator or UPS should be chosen accordingly. The electrical installation should be checked by specialists and, if necessary, properly arranged. All procedures should be carried out considering the safety of both the medical devices and the patient. In recent years, for patients using home mechanical ventilators, by SSI UPS is paid for.
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