The prevention of infectious disease has been a great challenge globally. Medical researchers and institutions have been continuously working towards the improvement of medical devices and equipment to ensure the safety of healthcare workers and patients which is now more crucial than ever since the outbreak of COVID-19 that left 38 million people infected where 14% are healthcare professionals based on the World health organization (WHO) registered cases.
Today, many countries, such as in Europe, have been experiencing the second wave of the Sars-CoV-2 virus that calls for a stronger safety strategy and implementation for the public and most especially the healthcare workers.
To help achieve this goal, the continuity of the supply of protective medical equipment must be present as well as the proper isolation of the patient not just in the hospital and public setting, but also during the patients’ transportation to the medical facility.
A patient transportation and isolation unit is one of the instruments to protect the environment – especially healthcare workers – from cross-infection by a filtering system that cleans the infectious-air coming out from the pod, as well as the air that goes in. There are two types available in the market, but hardtop medical isolation units are best for highly contagious infectious diseases because unlike soft-top units which are collapsible, hardtops allow quick transportation during critical scenarios because it has a rigid material that enables an airtight seal and leak-free isolation in tough settings – air ambulance transportation – which a soft structured unit may not endure.
EpiGuard is the maker of the most prominent hardtop single-patient isolation unit, EpiShuttle, that answers both safe patient isolation and transportation, and continuity of supply. Just a week ago, EpiGuard has finalized its 200th unit of EpiShuttle which was done in only 5 months. This is because of their committed in-house team who works hard to maintain the supply of their life-saving device to the needful medical institutions globally. Despite the EpiGuard made sure that four EpiShuttles are produced daily to be able to supply enough units amid the second wave of Sars-CoV-2.
See the whole Linkedin post from @EpiGuard
EpiGuard see to it that they adapt to the current challenges of the medical industry by providing a device that is:
EMS system compatible
The EpiShuttle is EN 1789 compliant and can be safely used in ambulances, helicopters, and airplanes. Adapters are available for several leading stretcher brands and an L-track attachment with universal brackets ensure that the EpiShuttle can be secured safely regardless of stretcher or vehicle type. EpiGuard offer adapters for a range of stretchers, such as Stryker, Stollenwerk, and Ferno, and we collaborate with manufacturers of aircraft interiors to develop adapters and lifting systems for the EpiShuttle.
Highly durable
Apart from having a firm structure, the main advantage of a hardtop unit is having an airtight seal, which ensures that nothing escapes, specifically fluids. The soft-top units often have zippers to attach the base and top, which has been known to leak, and there is a bigger chance of rupture.
Requires no disinfection
Vehicles that are used for transport of highly infectious patients in the EpiShuttle do not have to be disinfected after patient transport. This saves time and money and ensures that vehicles can remain in operation as much as possible.
Can be used in land, air, and sea
The EpiShuttle is a flexible patient transport platform for use in multifarious environments. It has undergone rigorous testing to ensure compliance with EN 1789 and that it can be used with confidence whether travelling by land, sea, or air.
Provides superior patient comfort and care
A soft mattress and adjustable backrest and leg support gives optimal patient comfort during transports of up to 24 hours. Visibility through the transparent hardtop allows for better communication between the patient and surroundings. Glove ports provide medical personnel access to patient’s entire body. Food, medicine, and equipment can be safely sluiced into the EpiShuttle. The patient can be intubated and mechanically ventilated during transport and IV-lines and monitoring equipment can be attached.
Cost-efficient
The EpiShuttle is reusable and can be safely disinfected and re-assembled in less than two hours. This significantly reduces the cost per transport compared to single-use transport isolators. Also, healthcare staff don’t have to wear full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during transport of highly infectious patients. This allows for less cost, longer shifts and reduces the risk of making mistakes due to fatigue or reduced situational awareness.
Above all, it protects both patient and staff
The EpiShuttle can be configured to either protect the surroundings from the patient, or to protect the patient from surroundings with harmful airborne particles.
Healthcare worker’s safety must be treated equally as patients because both are exposed to transmission and all available tools must be explored to maximize safety and prevention.
Contact your local distributor to get a demonstration. For inquiries in the Middle East and GCC, you may contact us at [email protected].
Source:
https://epiguard.com/single-patient-isolation-units/
https://www.who.int/news/item/17-09-2020-keep-health-workers-safe-to-keep-patients-safe-who
