Did you know that medical supplies are the core of the healthcare sector? No medical procedure is complete without them. They may not be in the limelight, but they are extremely necessary for providing patients with optimum care.
Whether you are a healthcare professional, a patient, or just curious about the world of medicine, it is important to know the importance of Canadian medical supplies.
So, let’s move forward and discover some of the most common types of medical supplies utilized in the healthcare sector.
Types of Medical Supplies
Medical supplies in Canada include a broad range of products, from PPE supplies to specialized medical equipment. All of these medical supplies have particular applications in every medical procedure.
First Aid Supplies
Medical equipment designed specifically for first aid, emergency care, and life support of patients with extremely serious illnesses or injuries is known as first aid supplies.
1. Bandages
Bandages are the primary item in first aid. They are often used together with dressings to treat wounds. There are various kinds of bandages. A roller bandage holds a dressing tightly. On the other hand, a triangle bandage can be used as a pad to halt bleeding or as an arm sling.
2. Antiseptic Wipes or Solution
Antiseptic wipes or solutions other elements of Canadian medical supplies used to wash scrapes, wounds, and cuts before any medicine, cream, or bandage applied. They are very gentle and can properly clean the area without hurting. Doctors usually use these wipes to remove any chances of infection or allergy.
3. Adhesive Tape
Adhesive tape, also known as surgical tape, is utilized to attach bandages and other dressings to the skin surrounding wounds.
The adhesive tapes, in most cases, are the pressure-sensitive types. This means that they stick and remain in place when hard pressure is applied.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE is any safety product worn to protect oneself from harmful chemicals, hazardous substances, and pathogens. It is one of the most crucial elements of every medical setting where medical processes take place.
In essence, these products protect healthcare providers as well as patients from the spread of infectious diseases. Here are some of the most basic types of personal protective equipment:
1. Respiratory, Surgical Masks, or N95 Respirators
N95 masks and surgical face masks are also one type of personal protective equipment. These medical equipment can protect the wearer from airborne particles and other infectious toxins that can prove to be dangerous to one’s health.
In addition to healthcare settings, the general public can also wear these masks to avoid the transfer of germs and other particles in the air. There are numerous types of face masks that you can select depending on the level of protection you need.
One of the most common types of face masks that are easily accessible and affordable are surgical masks. They are disposable and wearers are advised to throw them away after one time use.
2. Disposable Gloves
Disposable gloves are worn during healthcare procedures to restrict the cross-contamination of germs from a contaminated place to the wearer’s hand.
These gloves are an integral part of medical supplies that not only help patients but also medical staff to stay protected. These safety gloves that are used during all kinds of medical procedures generally disposable.
Medical professionals should dispose of them as soon as the treatments completed. Disposable gloves come in various options, including nitrile gloves, latex gloves, vinyl gloves and poly gloves. The healthcare staff can select them depending on the level of protection they need.
3. Face Shields and Goggles
Face shields or goggles are medical supplies that create a physical barrier to protect the face and eyes against harmful particles or fluids. Many professionals, such as medical, dental, or veterinary workers, use these protective face shields and goggles.
They can protect their face and mucous membranes (eyes, nose, and mouth) from splashes, sprays, and spatters. Face shields and goggles are one of the most important components of personal protective equipment gear.
Medication Administration Supplies
Medical administration supplies are among the most significant medical supplies in Canada. With the help of these supplies, medical professionals disperse fluids and blood to patients’ bodies. Here are some common types of medication administration supplies:
1. Syringes
Syringes cylindrically shaped tubes used by medical professionals to infuse patients with liquid and withdraw blood. Depending on the specific medical procedure, healthcare staff can select syringes of various types and sizes.
2. Medication Cups
A medication cup is made of plastic. It is manufactured with graduated markings to allow for an accurate dosage of liquid drugs. Medication cups usually one-use items that discarded once they have utilized.
3. Intravenous (IV) Catheters and Tubing (IVs and tubes)
The intravenous catheter and tubing thin plastic tubes inserted into a vein with a sharp needle. They serve essential functions, such as infusing fluids, drugs and blood. Doctors usually insert these tubes into a person’s stomach if he cannot chew or swallow food.
Canadian Medical supplies are used in hospitals and clinics, but they also have applications at home. Items like disposable gloves and face masks can utilized by normal people, saving them from the spread of germs and contamination.
Tips for Selecting the Best Medical Supplies
While purchasing medical supplies in Canada, take a look at the particular needs of your clinic first. What sort of patients do you have? What are the procedures that you do most often? Through this knowledge, you will have an idea of what kind of supplies you are going to need. Then, you need to keep the following tips in mind while making a purchase of these medical supplies:
Look For Good Quality and Durable Products:
PPE supplies in Canada are often costly, so you need to be sure that you are getting quality products that will last. Thus, try to search for supplies made from high-quality materials or known for their durability.
Compare Prices:
Research and compare different pricing from various suppliers to see which one offers the best deal. Also, don’t be afraid to negotiate the price, especially if you intend to make a big purchase.
Don’t Compromise on Safety:
You should put the patient’s safety first. It is important to buy medical supplies that lab-certified for safety issues. Also, follow proper infection control protocols when using and storing them.
Medical supplies are of great importance in all healthcare treatments. That is the reason they must manufactured with the finest quality materials. Thus, you need to follow the above-mentioned steps. This way, you will be able to get the right medical supplies in Canada for your patients. That will ensure the best treatment processes.
Key Takeaway
Medical supplies in Canada are the most necessary items that have numerous applications in the healthcare industry. Every component of medical supplies plays a huge role in all treatment processes and is used by healthcare staff daily.
Moreover, people belonging to industries where they have to come in direct contact with hazardous material can also benefit from medical supplies like PPE.
These products, apart from protecting them, can also stop the spread of contaminants and germs to other surfaces they touch. This is how medical supplies minimize the risk of contagious diseases.