7 Medical Devices and Gadgets That Are Helpful to Have in Your Home
Medical devices and gadgets aren’t just the machines used in a physician’s office— some can be used in the home as well, and are beneficial to have on hand. Now this doesn’t mean that you need to order an X-ray machine or other type of diagnostic device, but there are several devices that you can keep in your home… and can even help save your life.
Health is an important topic in the United States, as the top three leading causes of death are all health-related. According to Fortune Well, Massachusetts is the healthiest state, while Mississippi is the unhealthiest, and Illinois ranks somewhere in between. This is just a general consensus, and you may not need all of the gadgets listed here. However, it’s helpful to have these seven things on hand.
Top 7 Medical Devices and Gadgets
Thermometer
Thermometers may not be thought of as a medical device because they’re essential in nearly everyone’s homes. This device was seen everywhere (homes, schools, offices, etc.) during the COVID-19 pandemic since a higher fever was an indicator of the virus.
The average person has an internal body temperature between 97 and 99 degrees Fahrenheit, though a “normal” body temperature can vary from person to person. However, 100 degrees Fahrenheit and above is usually considered to be a fever.
Pulse Oximeter
When thinking of medical gadgets, measuring oxygen in the blood is often thought of— and that’s what a pulse oximeter is for. When the blood doesn’t have enough oxygen, it results in hypoxemia, which can lead to failure of the heart, brain, and other organs. Those with certain heart conditions, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or sleep apnea are at higher risk for hypoxemia and should have a pulse oximeter on hand.
Glucose Monitor
A glucose monitor is a necessary medical device if you have type 2 diabetes and even if you’re prediabetic. This device will help you measure and keep track of your blood sugar levels, and you can alert your doctor if something is out of the ordinary. Very high blood sugar levels can lead to extreme dehydration and even a diabetic coma.
First Aid Kit
First aid kits should have the basics, such as items to clean and wrap up cuts, but your first aid kit should also be tailored to your specific needs. For example, if you or someone in your family has a nut allergy, your first aid kit should include an EpiPen— although most people carry this with them if they know they’re likely to come into contact with an allergen. Other first aid kit essentials include:
- Antibiotics/cream
- Burn gel
- CPR mask
- Instant cold packs
- Pain relievers, antihistamines, and antacids
- Tourniquet
It’s also a good idea to have multiple first aid kits in the home and also one in your car.
CPAP Machine
CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines are usually only required by those who have sleep apnea, a sleep condition that causes interruptions in breathing. Unfortunately, CPAP machines by Philips were recently recalled because they were linked to breathing issues, lung damage, and even cancer in the people who used them.
The good news is that defective medical device attorneys in Chicago and other major cities can help you receive compensation for damages a Philips CPAP machine may have caused you.
Blood Pressure Monitor
A blood pressure monitor is possibly one of the most common medical devices that the average person owns. As the name of it suggests, it measures your blood pressure, which should be no higher than 120/80 and no lower than 110/70. Those with high blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension) should definitely own one of these to check their blood pressure daily and make any necessary lifestyle adjustments.
AED Machine
AED (automated external defibrillator) machines, also simply called defibrillators, are used to analyze the heart rhythm of someone who’s just experienced sudden cardiac arrest. This machine can deliver an electric shock to restore the heart’s rhythm if necessary, and more and more AED machines can be found in many buildings besides hospitals. Keep in mind that if an adult suddenly collapses, CPR should be used first, then an AED machine if CPR doesn’t work.
AED machines, blood pressure monitors, first aid kits, and thermometers can be beneficial for most people to have in their homes— whether they have a preexisting condition or not. The other medical devices listed are usually reserved for those with more serious illnesses.
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