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Latest articles
September 14, 2023
Steven Cumper
The Best Blood Pressure Monitors for Home Use
Learn about the importance of monitoring blood pressure at home, the different types of blood pressure monitors, factors to consider when choosing one, and provide a list of top picks for the best blood pressure monitors for home use. Read on to learn more.
September 13, 2023
Steven Cumper
CPR vs. AED — When to Drop the Paddles
This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.To understand the latest medical guidance on using CPR or an AED please consult Australian Resuscitation Council or the American Heart Association. In a medical emergency, every second counts. Whether it's a sudden cardiac arrest or a critical respiratory event, having the knowledge and skills to respond effectively can meanthe difference between life and death. Two crucial tools in such situations are Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Understanding when to administer CPR versus employing an AED is important knowledge that can save lives—whatever your background. Both techniques are designed to support a failing heart, but they serve distinct roles when caring for a patient. This article explains the critical differences between CPR and AED, delving into when to employ each technique and how they can work together to save lives. Read on to learn more. The Importance of Immediate Response in Cardiac Emergencies Cardiac emergencies, such as heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrest, are critical and time-sensitive situations that require immediate and effective response. The importance of immediate action cannot be overstated, as it can significantly impact the outcome and increase the chances of saving a person's life. When the heart's blood supply is compromised, either due to a blockage in the arteries (heart attack) or a sudden malfunction of the heart's electrical system (cardiac arrest), every passing moment can lead to irreversible damage to the heart muscle and vital organs. Immediate response can help minimise the extent of damage and increase a person's chances of survival. What Is CPR And How Does It Work Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique performed by first responders in emergencies when a person's heartbeat or breathing has stopped. CPR aims to manually circulate blood and oxygen throughout the body to maintain essential organ function until professional medical help arrives. CPR is a critical intervention during cardiac arrests, drowning incidents, suffocation, and other situations where the normal circulation of blood is disrupted. The basic steps of CPR include: Check Responsiveness: Gently shake the person and shout to check if they are responsive. If there is no response, it indicates an emergency. Call for Help: Dial emergency services or ask someone nearby to do so. Open the Airway: Tilt the person's head back slightly and lift the chin to open the airway. Check for Breathing: Look, listen, and feel for normal breathing. If the person is not breathing or is breathing abnormally, CPR should be initiated. Chest Compressions: Place the heel of one hand on the centre of the person's chest, just below the nipple line. Place the other hand on top and interlock the fingers. Deliver chest compressions by pushing hard and fast at a rate of about 100-120 compressions per minute. Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions. Rescue Breaths: After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths. Pinch the person's nose shut, cover their mouth with yours, and give breaths until the chest rises. Continue Compressions and Breaths: Alternate between 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths until the person starts breathing on their own, emergency personnel arrive, or you are too exhausted to continue. CPR helps maintain blood circulation, delivering oxygen to the brain and other vital organs. It can buy valuable time until more advanced medical interventions, such as defibrillation, can be administered. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are often used in conjunction with CPR to restore the heart's normal rhythm. When to Use CPR — Situations and Indications Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical technique used to revive a person whose heart has stopped beating or is beating irregularly, and who is not breathing or not breathing normally. Knowing when to use CPR is essential for providing timely and effective assistance in life-threatening situations. Here are some key situations and indications for performing CPR: Cardiac Arrest — CPR is most commonly used during cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively. This can result from various causes, such as a heart attack, arrhythmias, drowning, electrocution, or severe trauma. If a person is unresponsive, not breathing, and has no pulse, CPR should be initiated immediately. Unresponsiveness — If an individual is unresponsive and not breathing normally, CPR should be started. Gently tap the person and shout loudly to check for responsiveness. If there is no response, begin CPR. No Normal Breathing — If a person is not breathing or is only gasping, CPR should be initiated. Gasping is not considered normal breathing and requires immediate action. Choking — If a person becomes unresponsive due to choking and is not breathing, CPR should be started after attempting to clear the airway with back blows and abdominal thrusts (Heimlich manoeuvre). If the person regains responsiveness, CPR is not needed. Drowning — Individuals who have experienced near-drowning incidents and are unresponsive with no normal breathing require CPR to restore breathing and circulation. Drug Overdose or Poisoning — In cases of severe drug overdose or poisoning leading to unconsciousness and no normal breathing, CPR is necessary to maintain blood flow and oxygen delivery. Sudden Collapse — If a person collapses suddenly and is unresponsive, CPR should be started to provide immediate life support while awaiting medical help. Unknown Cause of Unresponsiveness — If the cause of unresponsiveness is unknown and the person is not breathing or not breathing normally, CPR should be initiated to address potential cardiac arrest. It's important to note that CPR is not typically performed in situations where the person has a pulse and is breathing normally, even if they are unconscious. In such cases, placing the person in the recovery position and monitoring them until medical help arrives may be appropriate. Remember, early initiation of CPR significantly improves survival rates and reduces the risk of brain damage. If you are unsure whether CPR is needed, it's safer to begin chest compressions until professional medical assistance arrives. Proper CPR technique and training are crucial to ensure the best possible outcomes in these critical situations. How does CPR compare to Basic Life Support (BLS)? In short, CPR and BLS are similar as they share the same goal—to keep the airway open, the heart beating, and the circulation of oxygen to the body going without the use of advanced life support. However, understanding the difference between the two will allow you to know when to use CPR and when to use BLS. A BLS certification is a little more advanced, not so much as an Advanced Life Support (ALS) certification, but more than a standard CPR certification. That said, in practice, there is little daylight between these two. Some BLS certifications teach advanced methods like the administration of oxygen, team approaches, and in-hospital procedures, but the two certifications are close neighbours. In the case of someone seeking a certification for employment, it’s best to check with the employer if they consider the certifications as equivalent qualifiers. To someone suffering a catastrophic cardiovascular event, it will make little difference whether their attendant is CPR or BLS certified. Both are better than doing nothing when an AED is not available. What is an AED and How Does it Work? The acronym AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator, and they are placed in public places, often as part of a broader first aid kit, to provide emergency care in the event of cardiac arrest. Defibrillator AEDs, like the ones produced by Laerdal, Zoll, and HeartSine allow untrained people to administer ventricular fibrillation (VF) to a human body that has suffered a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack. The AED has changed the fate of cardiac arrest victims forever. Before their introduction, without medical attention, standard CPR was the only chance someone had of surviving a cardiac event. Today, in cities where CPR is widely practised and AEDs are readily available, success rates range from 25 to better than 60 percent. The high end of the data comes from cases where the AED came into play. In the absence of CPR training and AEDs, success rates drop closer to 10 percent. It’s the AED units that improve these data the most. Unlike the hospital defibrillation machines, which predated AEDs and required specific training, these new consumer-friendly defibrillators are accessible to even the untrained. As stated by Defib First Australia, “Modern AEDs cannot be used inappropriately and it is not possible to do any further harm to a cardiac arrest victim who is, in effect, dead and will remain so unless defibrillated.” As far as the value of the AED on cardiac patients, the same site said it best: “An AED is the most vital piece of emergency first aid equipment and the only effective first aid treatment for cardiac arrest.” You can learn more about how to use an AED defibrillator here. Check HeartStart AED with FREE carry case* When should you deliver shock from AED? In short, whenever someone’s heart has stopped beating, that’s the best time to use the AED pads. When a heart stops beating, time is of the essence, because after six minutes of oxygen depletion, the brain begins to die. Damage can and will likely occur long before that point. That means you have minutes to get the oxygen moving through the body again. In the heat of such a moment, even though time seems to slow down, minutes slip away quickly. The good news about today’s AEDs is that they will not deliver a shock to a body with a beating heart. As such, there is no bad time to grab the AED if someone has fallen down. For this reason, most response training advises you to delegate retrieval of the nearest AED in the first moments of the incident. Key Differences Between CPR And AED Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) are both crucial components of cardiac arrest response, but they serve different roles in the effort to save a person's life. Here are the key differences between CPR and AED: CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Manual chest compressions and rescue breaths. Maintains minimal blood flow until normal heart activity is restored. Trained individuals perform CPR. Requires training for proper technique. No specialised equipment needed. AED (Automated External Defibrillator) Delivers electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm. Resets the heart's electrical activity during specific arrhythmias. Designed for use by laypeople. Minimal to no AED training required due to voice prompts. Specialised device that analyses and corrects heart rhythm. Combined Use CPR and AED are used together to maximise survival chances. CPR starts blood circulation, AED assesses and corrects heart rhythm. The Role of CPR and AED In Cardiac Arrest Response When responding to a cardiac arrest, CPR and AED work together to improve the chances of survival: CPR — Provides manual chest compressions and rescue breaths to circulate oxygenated blood to vital organs, buying time until professional medical help arrives. AED — Analyses the heart's rhythm and delivers an electric shock if needed, aiming to restore a normal heart rhythm. AED use is often combined with CPR. Common Misconceptions and Myths About CPR And AED There are several misconceptions and myths surrounding CPR and AED: Myth — Only medical professionals can perform CPR. Fact — Bystanders and laypeople can effectively perform CPR and should do so in emergencies. Myth — AEDs can cause harm. Fact — AEDs are designed to be safe and will only deliver a shock if a shockable rhythm is detected. Myth — AEDs can restart a stopped heart. Fact — AEDs aim to restore a normal rhythm in a heart that is still beating abnormally; they don't "restart" a stopped heart. Myth — CPR can restart the heart. Fact — CPR can help maintain blood flow and oxygenation but may not restart the heart. AED use is often necessary for rhythm correction. Myth — Only older adults need CPR and AED. Fact — Cardiac arrest can happen to people of all ages, including children and young adults. Myth — You need to be certified to use an AED. Fact — While training is helpful, AEDs are designed for use by anyone, even without formal certification. Myth — You should stop CPR when using an AED. Fact — Continue CPR until the AED is ready to analyse or deliver a shock. The AED will prompt you when to pause. FAQs — Clearing Doubts About CPR And AED Do you use an AED on someone with a pacemaker? The simple answer is yes, but there are a few caveats to AEDs used with pacemakers. Know that pacemakers of any sort should withstand external defibrillation without a problem. The problem with the pacemaker placement is that it usually coincides with the placement of one defibrillator pad. As such, you’ll have to get as close as possible to the correct location. Some AED units may assist with placement. Others may reject the placement. You may need to place the pad directly on the pacemaker, but try to avoid this. In any case, remember that any effort you make is better than none. This person only stands to improve their situation as they are essentially terminal without a heartbeat. Once the pads are in place, run the AED as normal and keep your hands off. After a successful resuscitation, their pacemaker may require attention from a professional, but that’s not a reason to avoid AED administration. Can you use an AED on an infant? If you find yourself in this spot, know that there are special pads and accompanying instructions with most AED units for delivering a shock to a child. The cutoff age is eight. Any human under eight years old will need specially sized defibrillation pads. You should NEVER use the adult pads on a child under the age of eight, even if you have no other options. The risk is not only to the child but to those in the near vicinity. Again, check with your accredited CPR/AED organisation for more details on that. When not to use an AED? Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are life-saving devices, but there are specific situations when their use should be avoided. Firstly, AEDs should not be used when the victim is breathing normally or has a detectable pulse. These devices are designed for cases of sudden cardiac arrest where the victim is unresponsive, not breathing, and lacks a pulse. Additionally, AEDs should not be used in environments with moisture or water present, as this can compromise their effectiveness. Moving the victim to a dry area or ensuring their chest is dry before attaching the AED pads is crucial. If the victim's chest is obstructed by medicinal patches or excessive hair, it's essential to clear the area quickly by wiping or shaving before applying the AED pads. Using an AED in areas with explosive or flammable materials is highly dangerous, as the electrical shock delivered by the device could potentially ignite a fire or cause an explosion. In cases of severe hypothermia where the victim's body temperature is extremely low, it's important to prioritize warming the victim before attempting defibrillation, as their heart's response to the shock can be significantly affected. Lastly, if there is a valid, visible Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order for the victim, it indicates their explicit wish not to be resuscitated. In such cases, using an AED would be inappropriate. In summary, while AEDs are valuable tools for cardiac arrest situations, careful assessment of the circumstances and the victim's condition is essential to their appropriate use. Why is defibrillation important in CPR? Defibrillation is crucial in emergencies involving cardiac arrest for several reasons. Firstly, it delivers an electrical shock to the heart, momentarily stopping all electrical activity. This pause allows the heart's natural pacemaker to reset, potentially restoring a normal rhythm In addition, defibrillation complements CPR efforts. While CPR maintains minimal blood flow to vital organs, it cannot correct an irregular heart rhythm. Defibrillation steps in to potentially restore a normal rhythm, maximally boosting the odds of successful resuscitation. Certain abnormal heart rhythms, specifically ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), respond well to defibrillation. These are categorised as "shockable" rhythms, and without swift intervention, they often lead to fatal outcomes. Finally, Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are designed to be portable and user-friendly. They offer clear voice and visual prompts, making them accessible in various settings, from homes to public spaces. They can be operated by individuals with minimal training, extending their potential life-saving reach. Author: Steven John Cumper, B.App.SC. (Osteo.), M.Ost., is a businessman with a strong foundation in biomedical science and osteopathic medicine, who founded and led Medshop to international success, culminating in its acquisition by the Bunzl Group in September 2021, where he continues to serve as Managing Director (Medshop Group).
July 26, 2023
Carolyn Cumper
Best Nursing Shoes for Women
Discover the best nursing shoes for women that provide comfort, support, and style. Find also what factors to consider while shopping for nursing shoes.
July 03, 2023
Medshop Editor
What Does NDIS Cover?
For the more than 4.4. million Australians living with some type of disability, the NDIS has the potential to improve day-to-day life quality significantly, providing greater independence, new skills, and access to assistive technology and services that deliver support tailored to individual needs. But what exactly does the scheme cover, and how can you check if you’re eligible? In this article we look at NDIS in more depth, cover the eligibility criteria, and explore some of the things covered by NDIS plans. Read on to learn more. What is The NDIS? The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a program in Australia designed to provide support and assistance to individuals with permanent and significant disabilities. It is a government-funded initiative that empowers those who live with intellectual, physical, sensory, cognitive, psychological, and developmental delays by giving them more choice and control over the support and services they receive. The NDIS was introduced to address the shortcomings of the previous disability support system in Australia, providing a more personal and goal-centred approach. It focuses on providing long-term support to individuals with disabilities, aiming to enhance their independence, social participation, and overall quality of life. What Services Does NDIS Provide? The NDIS offer various types of support and services that fall into the following three categories: Core Supports Budget — This budget category covers funding for everyday supports and services that help NDIS participants with their daily activities, living costs, community participation, and personal care. It may include support such as assistance with personal care and NDIS consumables, transportation, social and recreational activities, and support workers. The Core Supports budget is designed to provide flexibility and cover a range of essential disability supports. Capital Supports Budget — The Capital Supports budget is allocated for higher-cost items and equipment that are necessary to enable a participant to achieve their goals. This budget category covers funding for assistive technology, home modifications, vehicle modifications, and other capital items. It aims to provide participants with the necessary tools and resources to enhance their independence and quality of life. Capacity Building Budget — The Capacity Building budget is intended to fund supports and services that help participants develop their skills, capabilities, and independence over the long term. It includes funding for various therapies, training, skill development programs, and support coordination. The Capacity Building budget is focused on empowering participants to achieve their goals, improve their well-being, and increase their participation in the community. Eligibility Criteria for NDIS Coverage While eligibility for NDIS services is determined on a case-by-case basis that is tied to a personal NDIS plan, there are certain prerequisites that must be fulfilled before you can apply. Below, we list the main eligibility criteria for NDIS cover. Age — You must be between the ages of 7 and 65 to apply for NDIS funding. Other support is available to those who fall outside the age range. Residence — You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category visa to apply for NDIS support. Living Situation — You must be living in Australia to access NDIS support. Disability Status — You must have a disability that is caused by a permanent impairment. This can be intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, physical, or psychosocial disability. Other eligibility requirements include whether you need support for daily living, whether you require early intervention support to reduce the need for future support, and whether you require support for your family to build the skills needed to help you. However, each of these criteria is judged on your application. What Falls Under the Coverage of the NDIS? Under the NDIS, eligible participants are assessed based on their individual support needs and goals, and then allocated funding to access a range of supports and services that are tailored to their specific requirements. These supports can include things like personal care, therapy, assistive technology, home modifications, and participation in community activities. Individually tailored plans may cover the following, however, it’s important to note that the specific supports and services provided under the NDIS can vary depending on the individual's needs and goals. Daily living support — This includes assistance with personal care, household tasks, meal preparation, and other activities of daily living. Therapy services — The NDIS can fund various types of therapy, such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy, and behaviour support. These therapies aim to improve functional abilities and enhance overall well-being. Assistive technology — Funding can be provided for assistive devices and equipment that help individuals with disabilities to improve their independence and participation. This may include wheelchairs, communication aids, hearing aids, prosthetics, and home modifications. Home and vehicle modifications — The NDIS may cover modifications to the participant's home or vehicle to enhance accessibility and safety. Examples include ramps, handrails, bathroom modifications, and vehicle hoists. Community participation — The NDIS supports participation in community activities and social engagement. This can include funding for participation in sports, recreational programs, art classes, social groups, and community events. Supported employment — The NDIS offers support for individuals with disabilities to access and maintain employment. This may involve assistance with job training, workplace modifications, and ongoing support to ensure job sustainability. Respite care — The NDIS can provide funding for respite services, offering temporary relief to families and carers of individuals with disabilities. What Is Not Covered Under NDIS? When considering what is not covered by the NDIS, it’s important to remember that exceptions or specific circumstances where certain items or services are not typically covered may be considered eligible on a case-by-case basis. For this reason, it’s important to check your eligibility and then begin building a plan tailored around your requirements. However, having said this, while the NDIS aims to provide coverage for a wide range of supports and services, there are certain items and services that are generally not covered. Here are a few examples. Mainstream services and supports — The NDIS does not cover supports and services that are the responsibility of other sectors, such as healthcare, education, and income support. These services are considered part of the mainstream system and should be accessed through the relevant government departments. Medical and healthcare expenses — The NDIS does not cover medical and healthcare expenses that are typically covered by Medicare or private health insurance. This includes general medical services, hospital stays, pharmaceuticals, and routine healthcare costs. Day-to-day living expenses — The NDIS does not cover general day-to-day living expenses such as groceries, rent, utility bills, clothing, or general household items. Emergency or crisis supports — The NDIS is not designed to provide emergency or crisis supports. In case of emergencies, individuals should contact the appropriate emergency services, such as ambulance or police. Recreational or leisure activities without a specific disability-related goal — While the NDIS supports community participation, it generally does not cover recreational or leisure activities that do not have a direct disability-related goal or purpose. Supports unrelated to the participant's disability — The NDIS focuses on providing support and services directly related to a participant's disability. Supports that are unrelated to the participant's disability or do not contribute to their overall well-being and functioning may not be covered. How to Apply for NDIS Funding? Applying for NDIS funding is simple once you have ascertained whether or not you are eligible. You can either: Call 1800 800 110 and speak to an advisor to make a verbal request. Download and complete the Request Form from the NDIS website. Once you have requested access, you will be asked to complete an ARF form which can be downloaded and emailed or printed out and sent by standard mail. In addition, local NDIA and Partners in the Community Staff can help you with your application and with later plan management. Once you have successfully received NDIS funding, you can begin to access the services and products of NDIS providers within the remit of your plan. For more information on how Medshop can help you find the necessary support equipment you need to improve your quality of life, contact us today. Additionally, explore the Medshop blog for more information on NDIS.
April 28, 2023
Medshop Editor
NDIS Consumables Examples
For anyone with any kind of disability, meeting the challenges associated with their particular disability can be tough. However, today, there are specialist products available that can both improve quality of life and make daily life easier. Many of these products are covered by NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) funding, and so are known as NDIS consumables for short. The term ‘consumables’ is pretty broad. After all, every disabled person has a wide and unique range of needs and requirements. However, for the purpose of the NDIS scheme’s definition it includes a variety of everyday items, like incontinence pads and syringes, as well as more specialist products such as low cost communication equipment. If you qualify for NDIS funding, then the particular products you will be able to purchase will depend on how your disability is categorised, and finding out exactly which products are included in your NDIS budget will help you to better meet your support needs and live life to the full. Here then, we take a look at NDIS consumables so you can understand the program and make the most of its benefits. Read on to learn more What Are NDIS Consumables? NDIS consumables are one of the four NDIS Core Supports designed to help achieve the goals and objectives of an NDIS plan. The other NDIS Core Supports are assistance with daily life, assistance with social and community participation, and transport. NDIS Consumables include everyday products that NDIS participants need to manage their specific disabilities, and access to these products can help disabled people with their personal care, nutrition, communication and community participation. The NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) determines which consumables qualify for funding assistance, and each product is determined by specific disabilities. This means that a huge range of consumables are potentially covered under the NDIS scheme, with some high-cost items, like wheelchairs and assistive technology, also available in your NDIS plan. However, these items fall into a different category known as NDIS Capital Support and you should carefully check your NDIS scheme to see if they are covered in your case. The most common products covered by the NDIS Consumables scheme include: Bottle Openers and Knob Turners Bottle openers and knob turners enable disabled people with mobility issues to live more independently. These products are often covered by a NDIS Consumables plan. Catheters and Continence Products Continence products, such as nappies, incontinence pads and catheters, are often essential for daily living. As a result, continence products are counted as NDIS Consumables. Home Enteral Nutrition Equipment Home enteral nutrition (HEN) equipment allows carers to ensure people living with disabilities are able to get the nutrition they require. Nutritional supplements may also be considered consumables. Food Preparation Products and Eat Aids Food preparation products and eating aids are designed to enable disabled people to prepare and consume food more easily. Adapted Footwear and Orthotics Specialist footwear and orthotics can help to reduce pain and discomfort and increase mobility. Interpreting and Translating Services People living with disabilities can use the fund to pay for interpretation and translation services. It can also pay for sign language training. Specialist Bedding Specialist bedding, like mattresses and pillows, is generally considered a consumable. Specialist bedding can help to provide extra support and make it easier for people with mobility issues to get in and out of bed themselves. Vision or Hearing-Related Technology Low-cost assistive technology, such as hearing aids, can be purchased from NDIS registered providers. Bathroom Aids Bathroom aids are an important part of independent living for many people with disabilities. Skincare Skincare and wound care products are often covered by a NDIS consumables package. What Is the Budget of NDIS Consumables Package? The NDIS consumables budget is primarily aimed at low cost items. Products under $1,500 will generally not require a quote, while those over $1,500 require at least two quotes before purchasing. If you’re unsure of your NDIS Consumables budget, talk to your plan manager or local disability support coordinator. How to Purchase NDIS Consumables? There are three NDIS plan management options. These are self-managed, plan-managed and NDIA managed. If you choose to self manage your plan, the NDIA will provide you with the funding so that you can access the products and support that best suit your needs. If you opt for plan-managed - also known as agency managed - NDIS funding, a plan manager or support coordinator will track your fund and pay providers on your behalf. This can be suitable for people with learning difficulties, autism or another type of learning impairment. If you choose a NDIA managed plan, the agency will pay providers directly on your behalf. In Australia, retailers that provide NDIS consumables must meet strict government guidelines. These guidelines ensure that all products purchased under the scheme meet high Australian quality and safety requirements. If your plan is agency managed, you’ll have to buy products from NDIS registered providers. NDIS providers can vary from large retailers to online shops, and sole traders to charities. If you have a plan manager, you can ask them for advice on where to purchase the products you require. There are also a number of charities that offer information on the types of products that you can buy with your NDIS funding. When buying NDIS consumables, you’ll generally have to provide your NDIS service number, your address, date of birth and the start and end date of your plan. In some cases, you may also need to inform the retailer of how your plan is managed. In many cases, NDIS registered retailers provide information during the payment process. This information will help you to select the checkout process that’s right for you, and help to ensure your invoice is dealt with as quickly as possible. The NDIS Consumables plan allows people living with disabilities to access the products and services they need to live healthy, active and comfortable lives. To find out more, and learn about the wide range of high quality medical products we offer, explore the Med Shop NDIS page or get in touch with a member of our team.
March 29, 2023
Carolyn Cumper
Nurse Essentials for Optimum Working Conditions
It’s no real secret that nurses and other healthcare professionals are busy. Nor is it a secret that what they do is incredibly important, often a matter of life and death, or at the very least the reason patients are safe, comfortable, and hopefully getting better. So, it’s not a surprise that whether they are on their rounds or dealing with emergencies, staff need to have the right nurse essentials to hand to save time or carry out crucial practice, without having to waste time hunting down the right equipment. Everyday nurse essentials There are several items that nurses need to carry at all times in order to do their job smoothly and with minimal fuss. These are not necessarily medical items, but all serve an incredibly important function in the everyday work of any nurse. These nurse essentials include: Pen: Useful for jotting down symptoms, filling in monitoring charts and more. It may also be a good idea to keep a highlighter pen handy to draw attention to specific information. Scissors: Scissors are useful for all sorts of everyday nursing tasks such as cutting bandages or gauze, as well as in emergencies for removing clothing. Comfortable shoes: Nurses spend a huge amount of their working day on their feet, so they need to do what they can to keep them as comfortable as possible. Shoes also need to be easy to clean, supportive, and safe for use in medical environments. Pockets: As you can see, nurses need to carry a lot of equipment, so having a place to store it all is important. Hand sanitizer: An essential for any medical professional who needs to clean their hands on a regular and swift basis. Light jacket: Temperatures in hospitals can fluctuate, depending on the conditions required by patients in different units. A light jacket is often a nurse essential for staying warm and comfortable throughout their shift. Badge reels: Security in hospitals and medical facilities has never been more important. And staff are generally required to wear identification at all times, often needing to swipe in and out of various sectors of the building, which is when a badge reel becomes very useful. Penlight: Often when examining patients or looking for symptoms’ nurses will need a light to get the best view Water bottle: Working such long shifts and being on the go all the time means staying hydrated is especially important. A reusable and portable water bottle is a great way to always make sure you have fluids to hand. This will help to keep you hydrated and on top of your game. Watch: Medical care often depends a lot on timing. These days we have phones to keep time but it’s not always easy or possible for a nurse to carry a phone on shift. So, a reliable wrist or clip-on watch or fob watch can help to ensure all deadlines are met. Medical essentials As well as the above general essentials, there is certain medical equipment that nurses may be required to carry at all times. These include: Stethoscope: An essential tool of the nursing trade used for monitoring heartbeats and breathing. Despite more complex equipment now being available, the stethoscope is a portable and lightweight tool for making an initial analysis of a patient’s condition. Thermometer: Needed to take a patient’s temperature, a thermometer is a key part of the assessment and monitoring procedure. A high or low temperature is an indicator that a patient is in need of further assessment or treatment. Pulse oximeter: The third vital piece of monitoring equipment along with the above, a pulse oximeter is used to take a patient's oxygen levels. This is another essential task of any initial assessment or routine check-up. Scrubs: Like doctors, nurses need a steady supply of clean and lightweight scrubs so that they minimize the risk of infection and feel comfortable throughout their working day. There are various types and colours of scrubs available for nurses, with personal preference, branding, job type, and seniority determining which is most suitable. Face masks: An essential since Covid 19 but also a highly recommended general item for preventing the spread of infection and protecting sensitive patients. Nurses may need to carry several face masks as it is important to change them regularly. Bandages: Changing dressings and supports is part of the bread and butter of any nurse’s daily routine. Although they won’t be able to carry huge amounts of bandages at any one time, having some elasticated bandages and gauze pads to hand is often a time saver. Medical tape: Sterile medical tape is the easiest way to secure bandages and gauze, as well as serving countless other purposes throughout any shift. Pain relief: Nurses are often required to carry pain relief with them to reduce travel time and alleviate suffering for patients on their rounds. Blood pressure monitor: Another key indicator of health or well-being is blood pressure. These days, blood pressure monitors are compact and portable, so nurses can carry them with them on their rounds. Dosage charts: Administering medication is a serious business where you can’t afford to make mistakes, so carrying dosage guides around is a way to ensure that patients are always given the right types and amount of medication. Nurse essentials in summary As you can see, there is a lot for the average nurse to think about, and a lot to carry around in order to be able to do their job efficiently and smoothly. Depending on the exact nature of the nursing role, not all of the above may be required. But equally, some specialist nurses may need to carry other equipment or essentials to fulfil their role. In some cases, the above equipment may be provided by the employer or medical facility. But that’s not always the case, and some nurses prefer to have their own equipment to hand. Browse the full range at Medshop to see what nurse essentials you might want with you on shift.
March 23, 2023
Medshop Editor
Clinical Nurse vs Registered Nurse — Understanding the Difference
Being a nurse is a hugely important and rewarding job. Ever since the beginning of modern nursing back in the mid-19th century, the fundamental principles that underlie what nurses do have remained the same. Nurses are there to administer medications and certain types of treatments, perform physical exams, coordinate care, and promote health. These core roles have remained the same for generations. However, with the advancement of modern technology and development of different strands of medicine, the roles of nurses have become more specialised. And within the nursing pyramid, there are various levels of qualification and seniority that accommodate different specialties and personality types. Two of the core types of nurses in Australia are clinical nurses and registered nurses. While both still adhere to the principles above, and there is some overlap in what they do, these are actually two distinct roles within the nursing structure. Below we will discuss the role of the clinical nurse vs registered nurse, highlighting the key differences and similarities between the two. If you’re considering nursing as a career, understanding the difference will help you to decide which career path you may want to follow and what type of nurse you want to be. What is a registered nurse? A registered nurse is regulated by the Nurses and Midwives Board of Australia, registered and licensed under the appropriate Nursing Act. Registered nurses generally have a higher degree of responsibility than other nursing roles, and as such are often given managerial or team leader roles, or even work in administrative positions. Responsibilities generally include assessment and management of patients, administration of medications, as well as more complex nursing care. National competency standards mean that registered nurses have a higher level of autonomy than some other kinds of nurses. What is a clinical nurse? Clinical nurses are advanced practice registered nurses who hold master’s degrees in nursing and have received specialized training in specific areas of medicine. They hold all the same responsibilities as a registered nurse, only the field in which they operate is more focused. Clinical nurses will have undertaken additional studies in these areas of medicine, usually over a number of years, developing specific and relevant knowledge in this field. Clinical nurses have a more in-depth knowledge of patient care in their area of specialty and their advanced clinical skills means they can take a role in passing on this knowledge to more junior colleagues and students. Specific roles of the clinical nurse in practice include making recommendations on diagnoses, consulting with patients on how best to manage their condition, performing advanced health assessments, and liaising with doctors to provide the right levels of care. Clinical nurse vs registered nurse — the differences As you might expect, there is a lot of similar ground covered by both clinical and registered nurses. Both positions adhere to the basic principles of nursing, work in a clinical environment, and are essential to the care system here in Australia. However, there are some fundamental differences. Clinical nurses need to have attained a master’s degree in nursing or a doctorate, whereas registered nurses only require an associate or bachelor’s degree. You also must have accrued more than 5,000 hours of on-the-job experience in order to qualify as a clinical nurse. Their roles within a hospital or facility are slightly different too, with a clinical nurse being more research driven and administrative, generally taking more of a leadership role within the team. Clinical nurses also play a more significant role in passing on specific knowledge and ensuring compliance and best practice are met. In terms of salary and opportunities for progression, for a registered nurse this will depend on the level of experience and pay point you have attained. A starting salary for a Level 1, Pay Point 1 registered nurse is around $50k a year. This rises to around $110k per year for highly qualified Level 5, Grade 6 nurses. Salaries for clinical nurses are $96k per year. Of course, there is possibility for further advancement if additional qualifications or responsibilities are added to these positions. Clinical nurse vs registered nurse — making your choice As you can see, both clinical and registered nurses are highly qualified specialists who work in high pressure positions and carry out skilled and essential work within the health system. If you are considering being a nurse and have a desire to care for people and make a difference every time you go to work, then either position can be very rewarding. If general nursing, being part of a team, and experiencing a varied work life is more appealing to you, then the position of registered nurse is a great option. This is also a great option if you want to work your way up the ladder through experience on the job, learning from colleagues and building your level of responsibility. However, if you would like to further specialize or have an interest in one particular branch of medicine, or if you are very academically minded and find the appeal of more detailed study an incentive, then you might be more suited to make the progression to a clinical nurse position. Whichever you choose, your journey will start with application and acceptance onto a nursing degree course. Of course, in Australia there are also other types of nursing positions available too, including nurse practitioner, enrolled nurses and midwives. There are also assistants in nursing (AIN) positions which, although not technically nurses, do perform a lot of the same tasks under the supervision of a registered nurse or similar. Regardless of the nursing role you select, having the appropriate attire and equipment is crucial for your daily activities. At Medshop, explore our extensive selection of general and specialist nursing supplies, including a variety of nursing scrubs. These scrubs are not only functional but also designed for comfort and durability, essential for the demands of nursing work. Check out our range to see the full array of options available to support your nursing career. Author: Carolyn Cumper's career spans from being a Patrol Officer in Rhodesia to a Paediatric Nurse in the UK, and later a Deputy Hospice Manager in Australia. Her diverse journey includes roles in law enforcement, healthcare, and business, culminating in her significant contributions to Medshop.
February 28, 2023
Steven Cumper
Laryngoscopy Explained
A lot of medical terms can sound scary and confusing at first. Understanding exactly what’s involved in various examinations and tests can help to demystify the process and allow you to prepare properly for your procedure. A laryngoscopy is a type of examination that’s focussed specifically on your voice box, or larynx. The larynx is positioned between your throat and your windpipe. During the procedure, a laryngoscope is gently inserted into the larynx to allow clinicians a closer look at the vocal cords and area around the larynx. Although it’s a very common otolaryngology procedure, you may still be concerned if you’ve been advised you need a laryngoscopy. To help put your mind at ease, and help you understand exactly what to expect, we’re taking an in depth look at laryngoscopies. The Larynx Explained The larynx (voice box) is a small but vital part of your respiratory system. Sitting between your trachea (airway) and your throat, it contains your vocal cords, also known as your vocal folds. It’s your vocal cords that allow you to speak and sing. Any damage to this area could affect your ability to communicate. Just at the top of your larynx you’ll find the epiglottis. The epiglottis is a small flap of tissue that sits beneath the tongue at the back of the throat. It’s usually open and upright to allow air to pass into your larynx and windpipe. However, when you eat or drink, the epiglottis folds backwards to cover the entrance to the larynx so that food and water don’t get into your airway. Types of Laryngoscopy There are three main types of laryngoscopy. These are: direct, indirect and fibreoptic. The procedure used will depend on your symptoms and on your doctor’s initial diagnoses. An indirect laryngoscopy is a quick and simple procedure that can be carried out in a doctor’s office. During an indirect laryngoscopy, a small mirror is placed at the back of the throat and a light is shone into the patient’s mouth. This allows the doctor to examine the larynx, vocal cords, and hypopharynx. Though non-invasive, this technique can cause gagging and so is not commonly used with children as they find it difficult to tolerate. A fibreoptic laryngoscopy, also known as a flexible laryngoscopy, is used when doctors need to see more deeply into the throat. During a fibreoptic laryngoscopy, a cable is inserted into the nose and then down into the throat. This cable has a small telescope or video camera at its end, allowing doctors to closely examine all parts of the larynx. During a direct laryngoscopy, your doctor will use a laryngoscope to push down your tongue and lift your epiglottis. This allows direct access to the larynx. This method is most commonly used when doctors need to take a tissue sample or when they need to insert a tube into the windpipe to help the patient breathe. This type of laryngoscopy is often carried out in an operating room by a specialist otolaryngologist under general anaesthetic. Reasons You May Need a Laryngoscopy There are a number of reasons why your doctor may want to perform a laryngoscopy. One of the most common reasons for a laryngoscopy is a persistent sore throat. A laryngoscopy will allow your doctor to take a closer look at the affected area to see if they can spot the underlying issue. Other reasons for a laryngoscopy include: A cough that won’t go away Hoarseness Bad breath A foreign object stuck in the throat Difficulty breathing Trouble swallowing A persistent earache Surgical procedures such as the removal of a growth, or tissue biopsy Voice problems Ongoing throat pain Laryngitis How to Prepare for a Laryngoscopy If your doctor has said you need a laryngoscopy, the first thing you’ll need to do is find out which type of procedure will be carried out. If you’re having an indirect laryngoscopy, you won’t need to do a lot of preparation. Your doctor will simply use a mirror and light to carry out a short examination of the larynx to check the overall area. If you’re having a fibreoptic laryngoscopy, your health care provider may give you some numbing medicine to make you more comfortable during the procedure. Numbing the area can make it easier for the doctor to pass the telescope into your windpipe and can help to prevent gagging. A direct laryngoscopy requires a little more preparation. If you’re having general anaesthesia, you may need to fast for a while before the procedure. You might also need to avoid taking certain medications in the run up to the examination. You may feel a little lightheaded after a direct laryngoscopy, especially if you’ve had a general anaesthetic, so make sure you have someone else drive you home. If the purpose of your laryngoscopy was to take biopsies of suspicious growths or tumours, you can expect a follow-up appointment in the days or weeks after your surgery. Like an endoscopy, a laryngoscopy allows doctors to see deep inside your body without the need for major surgery. This lets medical professionals diagnose and treat a wide range of issues quickly and easily. Learn more about laryngoscopies, laryngoscopes and other medical instruments and procedures by taking a look around or getting in touch with a member of our team.
February 25, 2023
Steven Cumper
Audiometric Testing Explained
Audiometric testing is used to assess a patient’s ability to hear sound. This type of examination can be used both to test hearing loss and ensure a hearing aid is working properly. If you’re concerned about your hearing and are about to go for an audiometric test, take a look at our guide to find out exactly what to expect. Types of Audiometric Testing Hearing tests can take a number of different forms. Basic audiology tests can be carried out in a doctor’s office and may involve completing a questionnaire and listening to whispered voices, tuning forks or tones from an ear examination scope. This type of test will indicate if there is hearing loss, however, it won’t define the type of hearing loss the patient is experiencing or provide the audiologist with detailed information. If an audiologist suspects more serious hearing issues, they may carry out a formal hearing test. This will thoroughly examine the patient’s hearing ability and determine their degree of hearing loss. There are a number of different tests that can be carried out. These include: Pure tone testing Bone conduction testing Speech testing Tympanometry Immittance audiometry Acoustic reflex testing Auditory brainstem response Otoacoustic emissions Pitch matching test Pure Tone Testing Pure tone testing, also known as pure tone audiometry, uses air conduction to measure a patient’s ability to hear sounds at various pitches and volumes. During a pure tone test, the patient will sit in a specially designed booth and will listen to a series of sounds via earphones. The patient will be asked to make a signal – such as raising their hand or pressing a button – every time they hear a sound. The minimum volume required to hear each tone is graphed by an audiometer and the test results charted on an audiogram. Bone Conduction Testing Bone conduction testing is another type of pure-tone testing. It measures the response of a patient’s inner ear to sound. During the test, a conductor will be placed behind the patient’s ear, against the mastoid bone, and will send tiny vibrations through the bone directly to the inner ear. This is designed to test bone conduction, an important aspect of hearing. Speech Testing Also known as a word recognition test, speech discrimination test or speech audiometry, speech testing measures the patient’s ability to detect and repeat spoken sounds. This type of testing is used to measure the speech reception threshold (SRT), which indicates the faintest speech that can be understood 50% of the time. It also measures the patient’s ability to separate speech from background noise. The test can be administered in either a quiet or noisy environment. Tympanometry Tympanometry measures the movement of the eardrum (tympanic membrane) in response to air pressure. The test can determine if there’s a build-up of fluid or wax, eardrum perforations or a tumor like an acoustic neuroma. Immittance Audiometry Immittance audiometry measures the function of the eardrum and the flow of sound through the middle ear. During the test, a probe is inserted into the ear and air pumped through it to change the pressure as tones are produced. During the test, a microphone is used to monitor how well sound is conducted within the ear under different pressures. Acoustic Reflex Testing Acoustic reflex testing is used to measure the involuntary muscle contractions of the middle ear. This can help audiologists to determine the location of a hearing issue, for example, in the ossicles, cochlea or auditory nerve. It can also indicate the type of hearing loss the patient is experiencing. Auditory Brainstem Response Auditory brainstem response (ABR) is commonly used to screen newborns for hearing problems. ABR can also determine if a patient has sensorineural hearing loss. During this type of audiometric testing, electrodes are attached to the head, scalp or earlobes and the patient is given earphones to wear. Brainwave activity is measured in response to sounds of varying intensities. Otoacoustic Emissions Otoacoustic emissions are sounds generated by the vibrations of the hair cells in the cochlea of the inner ear. They can be tested by placing a tiny probe, fitted with a microphone and speaker, into the ear to stimulate the cochlea. People with normal hearing will produce emissions. However, when hearing loss exceeds 25-30 decibels, no sound will be produced. Otoacoustic emissions testing helps audiologists to determine whether there is a blockage in the ear canal, excess fluid in the middle ear or damage to the hair cells of the cochlea. Pitch Matching Test Pitch matching tests allow audiologists to check for tinnitus. During the test, the audiologist will play several different high frequency tones into the patient’s earphones. When they find the one that matches their tinnitus, they can indicate it by raising a hand or pressing a button. How a Hearing Test Works The loudness, or volume, of sound is measured in decibels (dB). A whisper is about 20 dB, while a very loud noise, like a jet engine, is about 180 dB. The tone of sound is dictated by its frequency which is measured in Hertz (Hz). Low bass tones range from 50 to 60 Hz and high-pitched tones are generally 10,000 Hz or higher. Normal hearing range is 20-20,000 Hz. Most people can hear sounds of 10 dB and higher. Hearing tests are used to determine if a person’s hearing level falls outside of this normal range. If it does, the patient may experience some amount of deafness and could require a hearing aid. Different hearing tests are used to measure different types of hearing loss. Our ears have three distinct areas – the outer ear, middle ear and inner ear – and each plays a role in transmitting sound from outside to in. Audiologists use various hearing tests to find out exactly where the issue is and learn more about what could be causing it. The three main types of hearing loss these tests measure are: Sensorineural hearing loss - damage to the nerve or cochlea Conductive hearing loss - damage to the eardrum or the tiny ossicle bones Age-related hearing loss – a type of sensorineural hearing loss that gets worse as a person ages In some cases, a person may have asymmetrical hearing loss, with either the left ear or right ear more affected. Auditory tests are incredibly useful when it comes to measuring a patient’s hearing threshold and assessing hearing loss. Find out more, and learn about the high quality audiology equipment in our collection, by taking a look around today.
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