Emergency Medical Products, Inc.

Class 1 Recall: Sun Med Greenline/D MacIntosh No. 3 Laryngoscope Blades

admin — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:54:05 +0000

Official Press Release from MedWatch

Audience: ENT, anesthesia, and critical care healthcare professionals, hospital risk managers

Sun Med and FDA notified healthcare professionals of the Class 1 recall of Greenline/D MacIntosh No. 3 Laryngoscope Blades. This product is a part of a medical device [laryngoscope] used to view the vocal cords and other structures when opening a patient’s airway. A piece of the acrylic light tube that runs along the laryngoscope blade may break off during the procedure. This device was distributed from January 16, 2007 through April 13, 2007. The company sent a notice to their distributors requesting that the product be returned.

Read the complete MedWatch 2008 Safety summary, including a link to the FDA/CDRH recall notice

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Holiday Safety Tips

admin — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 20:55:14 +0000

Did you know that each year during the 60 days surrounding the end of the year holiday season almost 11,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms due to injuries sustained while decorating? A gut reaction may be to snicker or maybe a flash of Chevy Chase trying to hang Christmas lights on his house in the movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation has just flashed through your head. These injuries, ranging from falls, cuts, shocks, burns, etc., are no laughing matter. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that each year an average of 240 fires involving dried-out Christmas trees results in 16 deaths and millions in property damage. Can you guess what other fire hazard results in 170 deaths and $390 million in property damage annually? You guessed it – candles are the culprit according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

These statistics and holiday hazards seem like a killjoy but it doesn’t have to be that way. With a few simple safety precautions and staying alert your holiday can be full of peace and joy.

Check out these helpful suggestions:

Trees and Decorations:

If you’re into artificial trees, purchase one that is fire resistant (it doesn’t make you exempt from any fire but it will certainly help)

If you’re into live trees, purchase one that is fresh (strong needles, sticky with resin) and keep it that way by watering it regularly

Place your tree away from fireplaces, vents and radiators as well as away from high traffic areas

Trim your tree using only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials

If you have children use ornaments and decorations that are kid-friendly (avoid the sharp or breakable, small pieces that could be swallowed/choked on, trimmings resembling candy or food)

Lights:

Use lights that have been tested for safety by a nationally recognized laboratory for both indoor and outdoor lights

Use lights that have thicker wiring and safety fuses

New or old, check each set up lights for broken/cracked sockets, frayed/exposed wires or loose connections (toss them if any of these descriptions apply)

Do NOT use electric lights on a metallic tree (electricity charge + human touch = possibly electrocution)

Off to bed or out the door? Make sure you unplug the lights

Candles:

Keep burning candles within your view

Keep burning candles away from flammable items

Use non-flammable candle holders and keep out of reach of children and pets

Put out the flame when off to bed or out the door

Fireplaces:

Use color-producing fire salts with caution and keep away from children and pets

Do NOT burn wrapping paper or plastics in your fireplace

Use a screen around your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby flammable material (like your shirt when you’re sitting by the fireplace to stay nice and toasty)

Stay safe and warm.

Happy Holidays,
Emergency Medical Products

Source: EHS Today

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Resolve to be Ready in 2009

admin — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 20:46:26 +0000

The holidays are upon us and it won’t be long before we’re ringing in the New Year. With the New Year so quickly approaching the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Ready Campaign is reminding Americans to Resolve to be Ready in 2009. This nationwide effort is designed to encourage individuals, families, businesses and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies in the coming New Year.

Emergency preparedness is a simple three step process:

1. Get an emergency supply kit
2. Make a family emergency plan
3. Be informed about the types of emergencies that can happen in your area and their appropriate responses

These simple steps may take a few moments of your time now but could save your life and others in the event of an emergency or national disaster. Keep in mind to have a supply kit not only in your home but your car as well. You never know when an icy road or snowstorm could leave you temporarily stranded. Emergency kits should contain the basic necessities such as water, food, and first aid supplies to help you survive until help is available - for a complete checklist check out: www.ready.gov.

By committing to Resolve to be Ready in 2009 and following the simple emergency preparedness steps in advance you will minimize the impact of emergencies and their effect on you and your loved ones.

Lan Lamphere provides a wonderful website – www.LanLamphere.com - and an AM public radio show called OvernighAM that covers an assortment of public interest topics including emergency preparedness, current events and more. Take a moment to check out Lan Lamphere and listen live or read his articles online.

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Hospira Issues Voluntary Recall

admin — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 20:46:06 +0000

FDA Official Press Release:

Recall — Firm Press Release

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

Hospira Issues Voluntary Recall of One Lot of 20meq Potassium Chloride in 5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP Due to Incorrect Bar Code Label

Media Contact:
Dan Rosenberg
(224) 212-3366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — LAKE FOREST, Ill., Dec. 8, 2008 — Hospira, Inc., a global specialty pharmaceutical and medication delivery company, is following up on a nationwide voluntary recall issued Sept. 18 of one lot (lot number 65-620-FW, expiration date May 1, 2010, NDC 0409-7902-09) of 20 mEq Potassium Chloride in 5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP in 1000 mL flexible plastic containers because a small number of the containers may be incorrectly labeled with a bar code for 5% Dextrose Injection, USP (NDC 0409-7922-09). The incorrect bar code could lead to a medication error resulting in the wrong drug being delivered to a patient if a bar code system is used to confirm the medication. Potential adverse events related to an error of this type include electrolyte imbalance, cardiac dysfunction, gastrointestinal disturbances, paresthesia and mental confusion.

The product contains 20 mEq Potassium Chloride in 5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride. The product name and National Drug Code (NDC) number printed on the container are correct. The affected lot was shipped to U.S. customers between July 2008 and September 2008. No other lots are affected by this recall.

Hospira has not received any reports of adverse health events in connection with the recalled lot. Hospira has identified the root cause of the error and taken action to prevent its recurrence.

Anyone with an existing inventory should quarantine the product immediately and call Hospira Customer Care at 1-877-946-7747 for instructions on how to return it. Customers who have medical questions should contact Hospira Medical Communications at 1-800-615-0187. This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Any adverse reactions experienced with the use of these products, and/or quality problems may also be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Program by phone at 1-800-FDA-1088, by Fax at 1-800-FDA-0178, by mail at MedWatch, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787, or on the MedWatch website at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

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National Fire Service and EMS Seat Belt Pledge

admin — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 14:31:32 +0000

The Pledge:

“I pledge to wear my seat belt whenever I am riding in a Fire Department vehicle. I further pledge to insure that all my brother and sister firefighters riding with me wear their seat belts. I am making this pledge willingly; to honor Brian Hunton my brother firefighter because wearing seat belts is the right thing to do.”

For one year Firefighter Brian Hunton was a member of the Amarillo Texas Fire Department. On April 23, 2005 while responding to an alarm he fell out of his fire truck. He died two days later from his injuries. He was only 27.

As of November 28, 2008 The National Fire Service and EMS Seatbelt Pledge is officially supported internationally by NIOSH. Also as of November 28, 2008, North Carolina leads the nation in the number of 100% compliant departments. Is your department in compliance? When the alarm goes off the time is ticking, you get yourself and your rescue gear together and you go but do you take that moment to buckle up?

Check out this video on the importance of buckling up:

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

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Federal Regulation 23 CFR 634

admin — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:35:11 +0000

Do you remember what new federal regulation goes into effect on November 24, 2008? Federal regulation 23 CFR 634 goes into effect this Monday mandating that anyone working in the right-of-way of a federal-aid highway must be wearing high-visibility clothing that meets the requirements of ANSI / ISEA 107-2004 edition class 2 or 3.

High-visibility safety apparel is described as personal protective safety clothing that is intended to provide conspicuity during both day and night time.

The purpose of this new regulation is to decrease the probability of worker fatalities or injuries caused by motor vehicles and construction vehicles and equipment while working within the right-of-way highway.

Workers means anyone on foot within the right-of-way federal-aid highway including: highway construction and maintenance forces, survey crews, utility crews, emergency responders, and law enforcement personnel while directing traffic, crash investigations, handling of lane closures, obstructed roadways and disasters within the said area.

Emergency Medical Products is here to help you get your gear in order to be compliant with federal regulation 23 CFR 634. Check out these great Class 2 and 3 compliant parkas, jackets and vests:

Gerber Outerwear Response 3 in 1 Parka
Gerber Outerwear Medix 3 in 1 High Visibility Parka with Polar Fleece Liner
Gerber Outerwear Eclipse Jacket
Gerber Outerwear Thriller X Reversible Jacket
Gerber Outerwear Brite Star Vest
Gerber Outerwear Vision Quest Vest

Emergency Medical Products is an official Gerber Outerwear distributor. If you need a style of high visibility garments and/or clothing that you don’t see on our website please contact us via our Human Click (the smiley guy with “click here for a live person” link) on the EMP store website or at 800.558.6270 and one of the EMP customer service team members will be happy to assist you in finding what you need.

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Does Your Employer Meet OSHA Standards?

admin — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 21:47:59 +0000

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) bloodborne pathogen standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030, requires that employers supply employees with proper instructions, equipment, personal protection equipment (PPE) and disinfectant to safely clean up body fluid spills. This OSHA safety standard applies to employees who have occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material.

Does this apply to you? Yes. Whether you work in law enforcement, EMS, a factory, hospital, doctor’s office, customer service, warehouse, etc. this applies to you. No matter how dangerous, mundane or completely rocking your work environment, this applies to you.

OSHA compliance would mean being provided with all the items necessary to properly clean up and dispose of any reasonably anticipated spill. As an employee you must be protected from:

Puncture wounds from glass or other sharp objects contaminated with blood

Contact or splatter to eyes, nose or mouth

Contact to non-intact skin or clothing

The supplies needed to meet these OSHA regulations may be purchased as a biohazard spill kit or as individual items. However, it is usually best practice, more convenient and economical to buy spill kits as a whole instead from a reputable and respected source as opposed to piecing supplies together.

OSHA states that the PPE your employer provides should be based upon an employees reasonably anticipated exposure while performing a task or procedure. However, it is impossible to anticipate or predict the degree of exposure to every possible circumstance or situation that could arise.

Flu season is now upon us and it can and usually does sneak up on someone. What if that someone doesn’t make it to the restroom and now there’s vomit on the office or classroom floor? Who’s on puke patrol? Let’s say someone in the factory has an accident on the production line and now there’s blood in more places than you thought possible? Who’s on blood clean up duty?

Accidents can happen any time. Make sure you and your employer are prepared with an OSHA compliant spill kit and infection control supplies.

Sources: OSHA, Sharps compliance Inc.

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American Diabetes Month®

admin — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 19:06:03 +0000

November Is American Diabetes Month®. Throughout the month the American Diabetes Association (ADA) will be working hard to raise awareness about the seriousness of diabetes and its potential complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness and amputations.

Diabetes affects 7.8% of the American population, that’s 23.6 million people. Of that 23.6 million 17.9 million people have been diagnosed but the remaining 5.7 million people have yet to be diagnosed. Adults and children alike are susceptible to diabetes. This disease does not age discriminate.

What exactly is diabetes? Diabetes is a disease that causes blood glucose levels to be above normal. People with diabetes have trouble converting food to energy. The food you eat is broken down into a sugar called glucose. Your blood carries the glucose to cells throughout your body. Cells use insulin, a hormone made in the pancreas, which aids in converting blood glucose into energy.

How do you know if you could be at risk for diabetes? Check these risk factors:

Your mother, father, sister, or brother has diabetes

You are African American, Hispanic American/Latino, American Indian, Native Alaskan, Asian American, or Pacific Islander
You have high blood pressure (at or above 130/80)

You have a history of diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) or gave birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds at birth

You are overweight or obese

You are inactive or have a sedentary lifestyle

You are more than 45 years old

The ADA provides a great Diabetes Risk Calculator allowing you to determine your risk of prediabetes or diabetes.

Do you have diabetes or someone close to you? Does your child have diabetes? Do they have a nurse at school to help them monitor their blood sugar? Take a moment to comment on how diabetes has affected your life.

Sources: USA.gov, American Diabetes Association

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Halloween Safety Tricks ‘n Tips

admin — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 18:04:51 +0000

The awesome colored leaves in your neighborhood have probably dried out by now and are begging to be stomped on making that great crunching noise. You know what that means – no, not just the end of October – Halloween! Who doesn’t dig dressing up and getting candy? Whether you’re a skeleton, witch or this year’s “it” character have fun and stay safe. Here are some tricks ‘n tips for both the young and the young at heart:

Tricks ‘n Tips For Young People

Plan a route; share the plan with an adult, stick to it

Know your phone number, address and when to call 911

Learn or review CPR skills in case someone is choking

Stay on the sidewalk or left side of the road if they’re no sidewalks

Left, right, left – then cross the street at the proper crosswalks

Don’t wear accessories that will cover your eyes or cause you to possibly trip and fall

Keep away from open fires and candles, costumes can be very flammable – if something should happen: STOP, DROP and ROLL

Carry a flashlight or lightstick and wear light-colored or reflective clothing

If the light’s not on go on to the next house

Never go into a stranger’s house or apartment

Be aware of who and what’s around you, including animals

Be polite and remember to say “thank you”

Have a trusted adult inspect your goodies before you dig in

Tricks ‘n Tips For the Young at Heart

See Tricks ‘n Tips For Young People

Don’t drink and drive

Wishing all a safe and spooky Halloween!

Sources: American Red Cross and Los Angeles Fire Department

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Live From Las Vegas its EMS EXPO

admin — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:57:02 +0000

One of EMP’s winners at EMS Expo won a portable DVD player.

Brad speaks with a vendor while Chad gets the booth ready before the show opens.

EMP staff demonstrates products and discuss the needs of EMS Expo attendees.

Just a few of EMP’s many L.A. Recue bags catching the light from a camera flash. L.A. Recue bags come with reflective material or in tactical non reflective versions.

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