How Our PneuView Software Can Help Facilitate Remote Learning

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remote learning opportunities

Michigan Instruments’ PneuView software is designed with your needs in mind, based on insight from our customers, educators, technicians, and engineers around the world.

This PC-based software interfaces with our Lung Simulators, and accurately provides numeric and graphical display of ventilation parameters in real time. Additionally, it allows you to save and export data for later review and analysis.

These traits and more also make PneuView a great tool for remote learning. Keep reading to learn how.

1.   Real Time Displays

Volume, pressure and flow values and waveforms are displayed in real time. This makes it easy for educators to share their PneuView screen with students during remote learning sessions and explain each piece of data directly.

2.   Record and Playback Function

The PV3 software has a record and playback function. This way, you can run different scenarios and record them ahead of time to be played back during a remote learning session.

3.   All Information Displayed on One Screen

Some educators opt for the non-instrumented (non-PV3) versions of our devices, since many modern day ventilators are capable of displaying similar information and waveforms.

However, having this information on your computer instead, and all on one screen, easily facilitates sharing with remote learners!

4.   Easy to Learn and Use

With remote learning opportunities comes a sense of responsibility to learn and understand new teaching platforms and systems. PneuView is a valuable tool and is easy to learn and use.

It’s user-friendly for both educators and students, and informational while not being too complicated.

5.   We’re Here to Help

We have resources available to help guide the use of our PneuView software, so you can get the most out of your experience.

One of our resources is our YouTube channel. There are several videos available that  are valuable for understanding how PneuView works and taking advantage of all its benefits.

Additionally, our FAQ page contains a wealth of information about PneuView. It provides concise and easily accessible information that helps our customers find answers quickly, enhancing understanding and engagement of all of our products.

Finally, our tech support team is always happy to help with PneuView!

Learn More About Using PneuView to Facilitate Remote Learning

In the age of remote learning opportunities, discovering new helpful tools and devices can be the perfect solution for advanced education.

Using our PneuView software is a fantastic way to provide quality education alongside our lung devices. Contact us today to learn more!

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September is National Preparedness Month: How to Prepare Your Hospital For Emergency and Disaster Situations

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september is national preparedness month

First launched by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Preparedness Month occurs every September with the goal to raise awareness about the importance of being prepared for disasters and emergencies.

For hospitals, preparedness is not just a yearly observance, but an ongoing commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of their patients, staff, and communities.

No one can predict when a disaster occurs or how severe the circumstances will be. However, you can take precaution by learning how to prepare your hospital to minimize danger. Keep reading to learn how.

The Importance of Hospital Preparedness

Hospitals are hubs of healthcare delivery, and their ability to function during emergencies can be a matter of life and death. 

Whether it’s a natural disaster like a hurricane, a public health crisis like a pandemic, or a mass casualty event, hospitals must remain operational to meet the needs of their communities. 

Here’s why hospital preparedness is crucial:

1. Lifesaving Care

Hospitals provide critical medical care, and during emergencies, the demand for healthcare services often surges. Prepared hospitals can continue to offer essential treatments, surgeries, and emergency care to those in need.

2. Community Resilience 

Hospitals are an integral part of community resilience. When hospitals are prepared, they can help stabilize a situation, provide a safe haven for patients, and support recovery efforts.

3. Resource Conservation

Prepared hospitals can manage their resources more efficiently, ensuring that supplies, personnel, and equipment are available where and when needed. This helps prevent waste and ensures a sustainable response.

4. Maintaining Public Trust

During a crisis, people look to hospitals for help and guidance. A prepared hospital maintains public trust by demonstrating its ability to respond effectively, thereby reducing panic and uncertainty.

Key Steps to Hospital Preparedness in Emergency & Disaster Situations

1. Risk Assessment

Begin by conducting a thorough risk assessment to identify potential hazards and vulnerabilities specific to your hospital’s location. Consider factors like natural disasters, public health emergencies, and infrastructure vulnerabilities.

2. Emergency Plans and Policies

Develop comprehensive emergency plans and policies that address various scenarios. These should include evacuation plans, communication strategies, and guidelines for resource allocation.

3. Training and Education

Regularly train hospital staff in emergency response protocols. Ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities during a crisis. Conduct drills and simulations to practice responses.

4. Resource Stockpiling

Stockpile essential medical supplies, including medications, personal protective equipment (PPE), and medical equipment. Maintain a robust inventory management system to monitor and rotate supplies regularly.

5. Communication Systems

Establish reliable communication systems, both within the hospital and with external partners such as local emergency management agencies, other healthcare facilities, and first responders.

6. Technology and Data Management

Leverage technology for real-time data monitoring and reporting. Electronic health records (EHRs) can help ensure patient information is accessible even during power outages.

7. Patient and Family Engagement

Educate patients and their families on what to expect during emergencies and how to prepare. Provide clear instructions for accessing care and information during a crisis.

8. Invest in Life-Saving Equipment

During an emergency, it can be difficult to manage stress and maintain the energy it takes to look after everyone around you. In these cases, smart medical devices can be your saving grace. Since September is National Preparedness Month, it’s the perfect time to begin preparing your hospital with such equipment.

We provide high quality medical devices that can assist your hospital staff in emergency scenarios. With quick, easy and stable chest placement and the ability to fit larger patients than other devices, our Life-Stat and Thumper CPR devices are lightweight and easy to use when patients are in cardiac arrest. 

They offer many advantages in an emergency setting including easy and fast set-up, the option to include ventilation with chest compressions, and most importantly, hands-free operation. That way, your staff will have the ability to focus on other life-saving measures.

There’s a reason why so many healthcare facilities across the country (and the world) use our devices. They’re a tried and true, one-of-a-kind solution during emergency situations; they can help calm the situation and contribute to saving lives.

Our Automated CPR Devices Save Lives. Learn How.

Take the extra step toward 24/7 safety in your health care facility. Our devices allow medical professionals to concentrate on other life-saving procedures and provide improved access to the patient. 

Learn more about our devices and all of the ways they can assist your healthcare staff.

Contact us today.

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Pairing a Defibrillator with Automated CPR Machines

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automated cpr devices

In the world of emergency medical response, every second counts. When a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) occurs, immediate action is crucial to increase the chances of survival.

Defibrillators have long been hailed as life-saving devices, but recent advancements in technology have introduced a dynamic duo that can potentially save even more lives: pairing defibrillators with automated CPR devices.

Below, we’ll discuss the benefits and importance of combining these two life-saving devices.

The Challenge of Sudden Cardiac Arrest

SCA is a leading cause of death globally, claiming millions of lives each year. It can happen to anyone, anywhere, regardless of age or health status.

When an SCA occurs, the heart unexpectedly stops beating effectively, depriving the brain and other vital organs of oxygen. Without prompt intervention, the chance of survival diminishes rapidly.

The Role of Defibrillators

Defibrillators are designed to deliver an electric shock to the heart, known as defibrillation, to restore a normal heart rhythm in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest. These devices are used in hospitals and for medical rescue.

CPR helps maintain blood circulation, buying time until defibrillation can occur.

Manual CPR can be physically demanding and less consistent in terms of rate and depth of chest compressions, making the integration of automated CPR machines a game-changer.

Michigan Instruments’ Automated CPR Devices

Michigan Instruments pioneered Automated CPR devices and has been providing consistent and affordable automated CPR for over 50 years! Our Life-Stat is the only device on the market that complies with the AHA Guidelines for both compressions and ventilation, and represents the latest advancement in our history of CPR development.

Our automated CPR devices are light-weight, easy to use, and versatile. Because of the design of our device, defibrillators can be easily applied without loss of compressions.  They’re a reliable tool for EMS professionals, doctors and nurses providing their patients with quality care they can count on when the unexpected happens—especially SCA.

The Benefits of Michigan Instruments Automated CPR Machines

Automated CPR devices have emerged as a valuable addition to the medical toolkit. These devices are designed to provide consistent and high-quality chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

When paired with defibrillators, they offer several key advantages:

1. Consistency

Michigan Instruments Automated CPR machines deliver consistent chest compressions with adjustable compressions to be set at the recommended depth and rate, ensuring the best possible circulation for oxygen-rich blood to reach vital organs.

2. Uninterrupted CPR

Unlike human responders, automated CPR machines do not tire. They can continue providing chest compressions without pause.

3. Enhanced Safety

Michigan Instruments Automated CPR devices can be used in challenging environments, such as moving vehicles or confined spaces, where manual CPR might be difficult or dangerous.

4. Improved Survival Rates

Studies have shown that the combination of defibrillation and CPR can significantly improve survival rates for SCA victims.

Pairing Defibrillators with Automated CPR Machines

The synergy between defibrillators and automated CPR devices creates a fantastic solution in the field of emergency response. When these two devices work in tandem, the chances of saving a life dramatically increase.

Learn More About the Benefits of Michigan Instruments’ CPR Machines

In the critical moments following a sudden cardiac arrest, automated CPR machines can be your saving grace.

Our CPR devices have been recognized as breakthrough innovations in the medical profession. Learn why so many trust our devices for patient care, and contact us today for more information.

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Exploring AI Medical Tools: Weighing the Promise Against the Pitfalls

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ai in medical devices

In recent years, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into medical devices has shown tremendous promise. AI-powered medical devices have the potential to revolutionize diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient care. 

However, before diving headfirst into the realm of AI medical tools, it’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks that come with these advancements.

In this blog, we’ll delve into some of the significant concerns surrounding AI medical tools—helping you make an informed decision for your healthcare practices.

1. Reliability and Accuracy

AI medical tools heavily rely on large datasets and complex algorithms to make decisions. While they have shown impressive accuracy rates in various studies, no AI system is infallible. 

Medical decision-making involves complex variables, and errors can occur due to biases in the training data, algorithmic limitations, or even technical glitches. Relying solely on AI tools without proper human oversight could potentially compromise patient safety and care quality.

2. Lack of Human Judgment

Medicine is as much an art as it is a science. Physicians bring not only their knowledge, but also their intuition and empathy to the table. AI medical tools lack the human touch that comes with a doctor’s ability to understand nuanced patient histories, emotional states, and subtle physical cues. 

Relying solely on AI tools might lead to missed diagnoses or inappropriate treatment recommendations in situations that require a deeper understanding of the patient’s life circumstances and emotional state.

3. Data Privacy and Security

AI medical tools thrive on massive amounts of patient data. This raises significant concerns about data privacy and security. Healthcare data is highly sensitive and protected by various regulations, like HIPAA. 

The use of AI tools necessitates the sharing of this data with third-party vendors or cloud services, potentially putting patient confidentiality at risk. A breach in data security could have severe legal and ethical implications.

4. Complex Implementation and Training

Integrating AI medical tools into existing healthcare systems isn’t a seamless process. It requires substantial investments in infrastructure, training, and IT support—which isn’t always possible for smaller or more rural healthcare facilities.

Physicians and medical staff need to be adequately trained to understand and use these tools effectively. If not implemented correctly, AI tools can lead to confusion, resistance, or even misuse, negatively impacting patient care.

5. Dependency and Skill Erosion

Relying heavily on AI medical tools could lead to a decline in the medical community’s core skills. As doctors become more dependent on AI for diagnoses and treatment planning, their ability to critically analyze cases and make independent decisions might diminish. 

Over time, this could lead to a generation of healthcare professionals who are skilled at operating AI tools but lack the essential clinical acumen that distinguishes great doctors from good ones.

The Michigan Instruments Approach

The integration of AI into the medical field undoubtedly offers exciting possibilities. While AI medical tools can streamline processes, aid in early detection, and enhance patient outcomes, they cannot replace the nuanced understanding and empathetic care that only a human medical professional can offer. 

Bridging this gap, our automated CPR machines provide a happy medium between manual and AI medical treatments. They integrate seamlessly into emergency response scenarios, allowing healthcare providers to focus on life-saving interventions without sacrificing the quality of care during cardiac events. 

By keeping the medical professional at the helm of decision-making, these machines offer an optimal blend of manual expertise and automated efficiency. They also enhance the safety and well-being of the rescuers, allowing them to be better positioned and less prone to injury. 

As we navigate the complex landscape of AI in healthcare, it’s important to remember that technology should be a tool, not a replacement, for human skill and compassion. 

To demo an automated CPR machine for your medical facility, contact us today!

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8 Reasons Why Good Bedside Manner is More Important Than Ever

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good bedside manner

Demonstrating good bedside manner is a crucial skill for any healthcare professional. It encompasses qualities such as empathy, compassion, active listening, and effective communication skills. 

While good bedside manner has always been important, it is even more so in today’s healthcare landscape. Below, we discuss why good bedside manner is so important.

1. Patient-Centered Care

A study from Healthgrades and Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) found that over 52% of patients  indicated that they wanted their doctor to have at least one of the following qualities: compassion, comfort, patience, personality and bedside manner.

Similarly, studies show that a good bedside manner has a considerable impact on patient health. With a growing focus on patient-centered care, healthcare providers must prioritize the experience and satisfaction of their patients. 

A good bedside manner can play a crucial role in creating a positive and comforting atmosphere for patients, making them feel valued and involved in their own care. It helps build trust and improves overall patient experience and retention.

2. Emotional Support

Patients today can be dealing with high levels of stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. Whether they are facing a challenging diagnosis or undergoing treatment, emotional support is vital. 

Healthcare professionals with excellent bedside manner can provide the necessary empathy and compassion to ease their patients’ emotional burden.  This helps in fostering a sense of comfort and understanding.

3. Enhanced Communication

Effective communication is essential for ensuring that patients feel informed, understood, and involved in their healthcare decisions. When demonstrating a good bedside manner, this can  play a significant role in clear and open communication between healthcare providers and patients. 

This helps healthcare professionals explain complex medical information in a way that patients can understand, while also encouraging patients to ask questions and share their concerns.

4. Building Trust

Trust is the foundation of any successful doctor-patient relationship. A healthcare professional with good bedside manner can establish trust by actively listening, demonstrating empathy, and showing genuine care for their patients’ well-being. 

Patients are more likely to follow through with treatment plans and advice from a trusted provider.

5. Patient Satisfaction and Compliance

A positive bedside manner can also improve patient compliance with treatment plans, medication regimens, and follow-up appointments. Patients who feel heard, respected and supported are more likely to actively participate in their own care, leading to better outcomes.

6. Stress Reduction

A visit to the doctor or a hospital can be stressful for patients and their families. A healthcare provider with pleasing bedside manner can help alleviate some of that stress by creating a calm and comforting environment. 

The ability to empathize and provide emotional support can significantly reduce the anxiety that patients may experience during medical procedures and/or consultations.

7. Physician Well-Being

A good bedside manner is not only beneficial to patients but it also contributes to the well-being of healthcare providers. A positive doctor-patient relationship and the ability to provide compassionate care can enhance job satisfaction for healthcare professionals. 

It reminds them of the importance and impact of their work, leading to a more fulfilling career in the medical field.

8. Getting Patients Acquainted with Medical Devices

 Over the years, medical technology has made leaps and bounds, and continues to improve every day. For facilities that use advance medical equipment (like ours), it may be strange for patients to undergo care they aren’t familiar with.  

In these situations, it’s vital for their trusted healthcare professional to have empathy and clearly communicate the use of the technologies when necessary. 

Luckily, our CPR devices are easy to use and explain, providing patient ease of mind.  They also give physicians the ability to focus on other aspects of the resuscitation effort. Additionally, they work for patients of all ages and sizes.

Our CPR machines have contributed to helping people all over the country (and other countries), and we’re honored that these users have shared their stories with us. 

Hearing these stories drives our confidence that our devices work in a variety of healthcare situations, and contribute to saving lives.

Reach Out Today to Learn More About Using Our Devices in Your Healthcare Facility

Our medical equipment is a fantastic solution for hospitals, classrooms, research and development, and more. 

They’re easy to use, provide endless benefits, and continue to improve constantly. To learn more, contact us today.

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Top 10 Ways Lung Simulators Benefit Respiratory Therapy Programs

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lung simulation model

Did you know that our lung simulator is used in many facilities that offer Respiratory Therapy programs—throughout the United States—and  around the world? 

Designed and manufactured by Michigan Instruments, our Lung Simulators are utilized in colleges, universities, hospitals and training schools. Their accurate and reliable human pulmonary system simulation capabilities make them an incredible tool for training and education.

Here are 10 reasons why we believe our equipment is a great solution for respiratory therapy programs.

Why Choose Our Lung Simulator for Respiratory Therapy Programs?

1. Lung Condition Simulation

Facilitators can simulate a wide variety of healthy and diseased lung conditions by altering the lung compliance and airway resistance in a one or two-lung simulation. 

The flexibility of the devices provide accurate measurements and data that inform testing, research, and training for any and all lungs!

2. Realistic Volumes

Students work with a realistic total lung volume and residual volume—especially when using the Dual Adult Lung Training & Test Lung. 

This is one of the many features that allows the devices to provide the best representation of the functions of the human pulmonary system.

3. Versatility

There is great versatility in regard to introducing gasses, tapping into the lungs or airways, and connecting auxiliary devices, like CO2 monitors.

This makes teaching easy and convenient, while providing a physical demonstration.

4. Ventilation Dynamics

With the Dual Adult Training & Test Lung, facilitators can simulate unilateral lung disease and the resulting ventilation dynamics.

This contributes to easy demonstration of mechanical ventilation and laboratory exercises with ventilators.

5. Spontaneous Breathing

You can simulate a spontaneous breathing patient and evaluate the response of devices in various support modes.

Spontaneous breathing simulations are especially helpful for designing, testing, and providing training on non-invasive and supportive modes of ventilation and oxygenation. Our SBL™ allows control of the breath rate, tidal volume, inspiratory time, and inspiratory flow pattern.

6. Multiple Techniques

Our SBL™ also facilitates education and studies with various oxygen delivery systems, and with the addition non-invasive ventilation devices & techniques. 

7. Helpful Displays

When you add the PneuView software, you are able to see real-time data and waveform displays of pressure, volume, and flow, even when using simple ventilation devices like bag-valve-mask (BVMs), emergency ventilators, and CPAP systems.

8. Recordings 

When using the PneuView software, facilitators and educators have the ability to capture ventilation data. This data can be graphed, tabulated, or digitally recorded and retrieved for later review, demonstration, and analysis. 

9. Save Data

Students should have a simple and convenient way to perform research and keep track of their findings—and our software is more than capable of achieving that. With our PneuView systems, students can conduct research and easily save their data.

10.  Easy and Durable

Last but not least, and probably the best benefit of our equipment in Respiratory Therapy Programs, is that it’s easy to use—and built to stand the test of time. 

Many facilities have been using our products for years.  The PneuView software was designed with simplicity in mind, and our software continues to evolve based on the needs of our customers. 

Our customers have been vocal about how our equipment has been able to benefit them:

“We have been using Michigan Instruments Training Lung Simulators in our Respiratory Care program for many years and we love them. The lung simulator easily provides simulation of a variety of lung conditions that students can adjust to complete a variety of lab exercises. They are versatile, and a great tool for giving students hands-on experience with mechanical ventilation techniques, simulation of disease states for understanding pathology, and much more!”

– Dr. Ann Flint, Program Director, Respiratory Care – Jackson College

Learn More About How Our Lung Simulators Benefit Respiratory Therapy and Other Educational Programs

Medical professionals, directors, and educators around the world have chosen to partner with us and use our equipment in their programs. Our Lung Simulation product line continues to expand  to better service Respiratory Therapy Programs everywhere.

If you’re interested in learning more about our lung simulation devices, the PneuView Software, or any of our additional products, contact us anytime for more information.

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The Crisis of Overcrowded Emergency Rooms: How to Navigate Until a Solution is Found

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emergency room crowding

Emergency rooms (ERs) are designed to provide immediate medical attention to patients in emergency situations. However, the demand for emergency medical services continues to increase, leading to emergency room crowding all over the country. 

This has resulted in very long wait times and possible delayed treatment. In fact, a recent study found that over 90% of US emergency departments report overcrowding to be a problem, and nearly 40% reported that overcrowding occurs daily.

Below, we discuss how to navigate and manage overcrowded ERs until a national solution is found.

What Causes Overcrowded Emergency Rooms?

In order to assess possible solutions to the issue of overcrowded emergency rooms, we need to understand the causes.

The overcrowding of emergency rooms is caused by various factors, such as:

  • Utilizing the ER as a primary care provider: Many people use the ER as their primary care provider because they either don’t have access to primary care physicians or aren’t able to afford one.
  • Aging population: As the population ages, the demand for emergency medical services increases.
  • Chronic diseases: The effects of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, may require more frequent emergency room visits.
  • Mental health services: Patients that experience mental health issues often use the emergency room as an attempt to get immediate help.  

Effects of Overcrowded Emergency Rooms

Overcrowded ERs can have significant effects on patient care, including, but not limited to:

  • Longer wait times: Patients may wait a long time before receiving medical attention.  In some cases, this can delay treatment and patients may experience pain for a long time.
  • Increased risk of medical errors: When Emergency Rooms are overwhelmed, medical staff may be rushing or reacting quickly.  This can lead to the possibility of medical errors.
  • Reduced quality of care: Overcrowding can lead to medical staff not being able to offer enough time to provide higher quality care before they have to move on to the next patient.

How to Manage a Crowded ER

While various solutions are being proposed to address the national crisis of overloaded ERs, hospitals can both manage and navigate the situation in the meantime using the following solutions:

1. Offer Options to “Non-Emergency” Patients 

A lot of the time, ERs get congested with patients who may not require immediate attention. 

To combat this issue, consider implementing a system where your staff kindly asks those patients to either wait until patients with urgent needs have been helped, or refer them to other facilities such as a nearby or on-site urgent care clinic.

It may be difficult to defer the patient that does not require emergency treatment, or delay treatment, but in reality, emergency rooms are built for true, life-threatening emergencies.

2. Communicate With Other ER Staff

Another solution is perhaps one of the most important aspects of any successful workplace: concise, clear communication. 

This is especially important in environments like an ER where time is valuable. The staff is moving quickly, and everyone involved has to think fast while also providing the best care.

Concise communication with nurses, clerical staff, and other doctors can assist with treating ER patients in a more efficient way. If there is poor communication in your emergency department, assess the situation to create a more productive system.

3. Smart Time Management

Consider the way your staff manages their time. For example, how are you spending time during periods when the ER is slow? While it may be smart to play catch-up during these times, don’t forget that it’s also vital for your staff to take care of themselves.

When they get a break, encourage them to sit down, have a snack, hydrate, or just relax.

During a slower time, it may also be beneficial to review both a patient’s history and previously gathered information. Some patients shouldn’t be seen without reviewing any history and/or notes that may have been recorded.  Your medical staff should be aware of this information before they are treated.   

4. Utilize Smart Medical Equipment That Acts Quickly and Efficiently

Working in a fast-paced environment like an Emergency Room is very physically demanding, and requires a lot of long and strenuous hours. 

Investing in equipment for your department helps your staff…

  • Reduce the physical strain on their bodies
  • Maintain their energy longer; thus having the physical and mental capacity to give patients better care, faster.

We provide superior medical devices that can assist your ER staff in emergency scenarios – our automated CPR machines. Our Life-Stat and Thumper CPR devices are lightweight and easy to use when patients are in cardiac arrest. 

They offer many advantages in an emergency room setting including quick set-up, the option to include ventilation with chest compressions, and most importantly, hands-free operation. That way, emergency physicians have the ability to focus on other life-saving measures.

There’s a reason why so many healthcare facilities across the country (and the world) use our devices. They’re a tried and true, one-of-a-kind solution during cardiac arrest; they help calm the situation and add an “extra set of hands.”

Learn More About How Our Devices Can Assist With Emergency Room Crowding

If your hospital is burdened with the stress of emergency room crowding and limited time and resources with the patients, take action with our revolutionary devices that will save your staff time and energy.

Our dedicated team has developed and maintained life-saving and research driven devices for over seven decades now, with no plans to stop anytime soon. Contact us today to request a free quote or learn more about our devices!

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How to Provide Your EMTs with Continuous Education

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importance of continuing education ems

This year, May 21st – May 27th is National EMS Week. This week is dedicated to celebrating EMS employees and the important part they play in our nation’s communities to help save lives.

In light of this annual event, we would like to acknowledge the importance of proper education and technology for your EMTs. 

Below are the different ways to provide your EMTs with continuous education, and all the benefits that they provide. 

1. Understand Why Continuing Education is Important

All EMS organizations should offer continuing education within their facility, or in partnership with other healthcare organizations. However, continuing education for EMTs offers more benefits than just filling a requirement to maintain certifications. 

There are several benefits to providing your EMTs with education indefinitely, such as:

More Effective and Efficient Treatment

Keeping up with the latest medical information and technology allows EMS teams to provide better treatment for their patients. 

New practices and technologies (like ours) can save emergency medical professionals time by treating patients with methods that may not have been previously available.

Reduced Risk

Continuing education also reduces liability risk from malpractice or wrongful death. Failure to be consistent with education can result in incorrect treatment, misdiagnosis, or other life-threatening mistakes.

Networking Opportunities

In-person education programs, such as classes and conferences, allow EMS administrators to build connections and grow their network. Forming relationships in the industry can open new career paths, and create opportunities for shared knowledge.

2. Explain the Importance of Learning from Others

No matter what role you play or how long you may have been performing your job,  you should never assume there isn’t more to learn—especially in healthcare. Healthcare professionals should always be willing to learn new information or gain new perspectives from others. 

This also includes helping them acknowledge the value of feedback, and doing self-assessments to better understand their strengths and weaknesses.

3. Be Open to Multiple Teaching Techniques

While all of your EMTs should remain open to learning new things, they might not have the same preferred learning styles or methods. 

Some learn best in a classroom-like environment, while others may prefer educational apps, medical devices, academic journals, or mentors. Keep your options open when looking for educational opportunities for your staff.

The National Association of EMS Educators offers many options for educating EMS Professionals. This is just one of the many ways to find resources that you can use to craft an educational plan for your EMTs.

4. Select Your Best Personnel for QI Leadership

In order to have an effective quality improvement (QI) program, it is understood that providers want to do a better job of providing patient care. If your QI program is successful, it will help your EMTs recognize opportunities within their patient care and encourage them to make proper corrections.

If your QI program is less successful, you may have the wrong leader and might consider making a change to ensure more effective leadership.  

Enlist the help of your best and most qualified clinicians to do QI. Teach them about good culture, statistical process control, normal and special cause variation, and other improvement science concepts that drive them to improve care and be better leaders for the team.

5. Commit to Communication

One of the key reasons why things can go wrong in healthcare organizations is a lack of communication.  There is a failure to communicate issues, questions or changes that would benefit the team. 

When discovering concerns and/or opportunities to improve, it’s vital to share them with your staff. Encourage your team to practice continuous communication no matter what. 

An operation without communication is a recipe for disaster. In an environment where everyone is working collaboratively to save lives, all aspects of communication—including addressing errors, offering constructive feedback, and updating staff on changes in practices—are of utmost importance for a successful operation.

6. Provide Your Team With Michigan Instruments’ Medical Devices

Medical technology has been known to be an avenue for effective education for many healthcare professionals—especially those who practice emergency services. 

For example, our lung simulators can provide helpful training and practice for EMTs. They are fully adjustable and provide a dynamic response to therapy that accurately demonstrates how the human pulmonary system works. 

In addition, we offer outstanding medical equipment, such as our automated CPR machines. These help EMS teams to be more efficient and effective.  

Our Life-Stat and Thumper CPR devices support a quick and simple transition from manual to automated CPR with minimal interruption to compressions. 

The Hands-Free operation of our devices and the option to automatically ventilate the patient along with chest compressions gives the EMS team more time to focus on other life-saving activities. 

While very cost effective and easy to operate, these devices also can perform CPR on larger patients compared to other competing devices.

Learn More About How Our Devices Benefit Emergency Medical Practices

The importance of continuing education for your EMS team cannot be emphasized enough. However, our devices can grant your team new opportunities for both continuing education and effective patient care. 

In honor of National EMS Week, contact us today for more information about why thousands of medical professionals all over the world choose Michigan Instruments.

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Easy Ways to Support Your Nurses During (and After) National Nurses Week

celebrate national nurses week

National Nurses Week begins every year on May 6th and ends on May 12th. Since 1998, this week honors the important contributions that nurses make every day, and reminds us to thank them for the hard work they do to keep patients healthy, happy, and alive.

To celebrate National Nurses Week, we encourage you to take some time to show your nurses just how much you appreciate them. Below, we highlight 5 easy ways to support them during this week and beyond. 

How to Celebrate National Nurses Week

1. Give Them a Thoughtful Gift

Gifts are always a great way to extend appreciation. There are lots of gift ideas that your nurses would love. 

You could give a practical gift like a new pair of scrubs or comfortable shoes for work, or make it more personal and find out what your nurses are interested in and give them that—maybe it’s a gift card to their favorite restaurant or even a bouquet of their favorite flowers. 

Whatever you choose, they’ll appreciate the kind and thoughtful gesture.

2. Praise New Nurses

Being a nurse is stressful enough as it is. However, being brand new at the job is even more of a challenge. If you have nurses in your facility that are just starting off, be sure to tell them that they’re doing well, and praise them for tasks they excel in.

3. Praise Long-Term Nurses

Sometimes when a nurse has been doing their job for a long period of time, they begin to burn out.  Long term nurses may not receive the praise they deserve, as they have been doing the job a while and it’s often expected for them to excel.  

To some, offering praise may seem like a small gesture. However, to a long-time nurse, it’s a big deal. Whether building confidence or offering continued appreciation, recognizing and praising their work encourages them to get better and better every day.

4. Lend an Ear

For a lot of nurses, knowing that someone cares about their needs and is willing to listen can be very comforting. Letting them know you’re there to talk will help them feel a little less stressed and a lot more valued. 

Take the time to emphasize that you’re available to talk, or just listen, in times of stress. However, if able, it does mean more to do something to make a difference and work toward solving their problems. 

5. Invest in Helpful Technology

Being a nurse involves a lot of physically demanding tasks for several hours at a time. These tasks can lead to exhaustion and burnout. Consider investing in equipment that can lessen physical strain and help them maintain their energy longer.

Michigan Instruments provides outstanding medical technology for hospitals that can make work easier for your staff, such as our automated CPR machines. 

Our Life-Stat and Thumper CPR devices are lightweight and easy to use. They support a quick and simple transition from manual to automated CPR with minimal interruption to compressions. They can also perform CPR on larger patients than other competing devices.

The option to ventilate with chest compressions and hands-free operation of our CPR compression machines gives physicians the ability to focus on other aspects of the resuscitation effort. When lives are saved, your medical staff’s mental health benefits greatly, thus reducing burnout and turnover.

Support Your Physicians With Revolutionary Medical Devices

Learn why thousands of medical professionals, directors, and educators worldwide have chosen to partner with us and trust our equipment. 

Discover all the endless benefits that our machines provide. Contact us for more information about how we can contribute to your health care facility today!

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5 Things Medical Schools Can Do To Attract New Students

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recruit medical students

As the healthcare industry continues to grow, so does the demand for qualified medical professionals. To do this, you need to recruit medical students to your program.

However, with so many accredited medical programs available, it’s now more difficult than ever to attract students to your program. To help you stand out among other programs, keep reading to learn about ways to attract students to your medical program.

How to Recruit Medical Students to Your Program

1. Emphasize Your Program’s Unique Features

It’s important to highlight the specific aspects of your program that set it apart from others. This could include specialized training in a certain area, access to state-of-the-art technology, or opportunities for hands-on experience.

Students want to know what to expect when coming into a new program, so be transparent and explain to them all the benefits you want them to know about. This way, they can make an informed decision when they’re choosing between programs.

2. Share Success Stories

Prospective students want to know that your program is going to help them achieve their career goals. To demonstrate the knowledge and skills that your program can give them, share stories of alumni who have gone on to find successful careers in the medical field and highlight how your program helped them get there.

This will not only show your capability of teaching students the curriculum they need, but will also help them find inspiration in others that have done the same program. Remember, word of mouth is a powerful tool.

3. Use Social Media

Social media platforms, like TikTok, give you the opportunity to showcase your program’s offerings and connect with potential new students. Share photos and videos of your facilities, faculty, and students to give a behind-the-scenes look at your program.

It’s important to be informative—however, it’s just as important to craft personal messages to connect with your audience.

4. Offer More Scholarships and Financial Aid 

The cost of medical programs can be a major barrier for a lot of students. Offering scholarships and financial aid can help attract students who may not have otherwise considered your program.

There are lots of resources available for more information about providing financial help. Before doing so however, you need to read up on the IRS requirements for starting a scholarship fund.

5. Utilize Advanced Technology

Medical technology has made impressive advances in the past decade. For instance, our lung simulators can provide helpful training and practice for medical students, particularly in the Pulmonology and Respiratory fields.

Our Lungs offer residual lung volumes and a dynamic response to therapy that realistically demonstrates how the human pulmonary system works. 

What’s the Difference Between Michigan Instruments’ Lung Simulators and Other Devices on the Market?

Unlike other devices on the market today, our lung simulators are available in both adult and infant models. This range of calibrated lung compliance and airway resistance settings allow our devices to replicate hundreds of healthy and diseased lung conditions, while providing accurate data to contribute to your testing, research, and training.

Our recently launched Spontaneous Breathing Lung is a great addition to any respiratory therapy program. The SBL™ provides accurate simulation of a breathing patient and is available on any of our lung simulators. It’s beneficial for designing, testing, and training for non-invasive and supportive modes of ventilation and oxygenation. 

With our SBL™, the sky’s the limit. Our devices have been used for almost everything—from studying the dispersion of aerosols and inhalers, to assessing the responsiveness of the latest technologies. 

Learn More About How Our Devices Can Benefit Your Medical Program

For more information about our devices and how they can better your program, contact us today and get in touch with a service specialist that can answer all your questions!

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