Who Should Decide When It's Time to Replace a Medical Suction Machine?

Anyone who works in the medical field knows how crucial his or her equipment is to the success of patient care. Your job would be impossible without the tools you depend on each day. From IV equipment to monitoring devices, modern medicine is dependent upon an array of gear, and one of the most fundamental pieces of equipment is the medical suction machine.

Although today’s suction units are durable, powerful, and efficient machines, there still comes a time when they must be replaced. This decision may be based upon:

• The need for lighter, more portable units
• A desire for alternative power sources
• Units that provide adjustable vacuum pressure, for special populations, such as pediatrics
• Specially designed units for tactical medical situations

As medicine evolves, so too do the tools. And when it comes to the medical suction machine, who should make the call when it’s time to replace the units? It depends on where you work.

Decisions, decisions…

Whether you work in a hospital, for a large urban service, or a rural volunteer agency, the decision to replace your medical suction units usually depends on:

• Budget: How much money is available for new equipment?
• Number: How many units will you need to purchase?
• Special features: Are there particular features you require, based on the patients you serve?

The decision to replace units is best made through:

• Consensus: Survey your personnel to identify their needs and expectations.
• Research: Study your options and go with a trusted, proven provider.
• Practicality: Purchasing decisions must fall within budgetary limitations.
• Experience: Decide what features best serve your patient population.

As far as who should make the decision to replace the medical suction machines, the individuals with the greatest perspective are those who actually use the units on a regular basis. They will be in the best position to determine if it’s time to upgrade outdated equipment, add to the current fleet, or go with a better design, based on the unique needs of their service.