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Author Archive for emp

How to make your patients’ wheelchair more comfortable!

By emp

Tuesday, August 13th, 2019

No patient wants to be confined to a wheelchair. If this is a reality for yours, here are a few tips to make their wheelchair more comfortable.

Invest in wheelchair cushioning: If your patient will be confined to a wheelchair for a significant amount of time, that can be quite damaging to their body. Wheelchair cushioning comes in a variety of foam, gel, and hybrid cushioning.

Here are a few wheelchair cushions we highly recommend:

Shape Series Wheelchair Cushions – Designed for patients with a moderate risk of pressure sore development.
ESP (Essential Seating Position) Series Wheelchair Cushions – Designed for patients with low risk of pressure sore development and the best choice for patients needed a low seat height or who foot propel.
Pincore Viscoelastic Wheelchair Cushions – Designed for those needing a softer cushion for better pressure redistribution
Active Series Wheelchair Cushions – Designed to aid patients in transfers and repositioning and is available in plush or firm support.

Provide foot support cushions: Give your wheelchair-bound patients comfort with a footplate pad that is designed to reduce heel and foot pressure. It’s a small cushioned pad with an adhesive backing and loop velcro straps to secure it in place. Standard and custom sizes available.

Use positioning leg straps: These straps are designed to hold your patients legs to encourage symmetrical alignment of the feet. Single leg straps position the feet correctly on the chair footrest. Double leg straps provide additional support for patients with tight hamstrings or knee contractures. The padded leg straps have a vinyl covered pad to protect the legs from pressure.

To see samples of these or any of the wheelchair accessories we carry help increase the comfort of your wheelchair patients, visit our wheelchair products page.

Categories : Uncategorized

Tags : cushions, wheelchair

What makes us proud to be Canadian?

By emp

Monday, July 1st, 2019

Essential Medical products is a proudly Canadian company. Based in Delta, British Columbia (not far from Vancouver) we are 100% Canadian owned and operated since 1975.

Our country is full of pride in early July as we celebrate Canada Day. When we see all the Canadian flags flying and families out celebrating, we like to reflect on what makes us proudly Canadian:

We’re proud to live in an inclusive country: With all the turmoil in the world, we’re honoured to be a safe place for families of any race, religion, or culture to call home.

We’re proud to have free education and healthcare: These things go a long way to building a strong society and community.

We’re proud of our environment: In the Vancouver area, we can go skiing, for a swim in the ocean, and a forest hike all in the same day!

We’re proud of our genius: Not to brag of course, but did you know Canadians invented peanut butter, the zipper, the telephone, and insulin (to name a few of our many accomplishments).

We’re all unique: Even though we’re often stereotyped as super polite people who live in igloos, our collective diverse background and experiences help us thrive and grow in our uniqueness.

As Canadians, we take pride in helping others which is why we started Essential Medical Products. We live in a country where we are free to help others live happier, healthier lives, one mattress at a time.

Categories : Events

Tags : canada, holiday, mattress

Product Profile: About the Air-Filled Support Pad

By emp

Wednesday, June 12th, 2019

Patient comfort is our number one concern and we only carry products that support patient health and comfort, that includes the EMP Conform air-filled insert support pad. Essential Medical Supplies has been supplying this support pad in Canada for about 10 years.

This specialty mattress pad provides a low-pressure surface and is commonly used with foam mattresses under areas where the patient is at higher risk of developing sores when laying down.

Airflow is also an important consideration. When you compare this air-filled insert support pad with moisture-proof foam mattresses, the air-filled insert provides better air-flow opportunities around areas of at-risk skin.

In our 10 years of recommending these air-filled inserts for patients, our customers say that the surface feels more stable, compared to other air-filled support products they’ve tried. They also love how you can connect multiple pads together seamlessly. Where other comparable products are joined with “snap” connectors and cause stress and damage at the pad joints, the Conform air-filled pads are joined using a flexible strip of holes where the air-filled cells are inserted. This provides a strong, continuous joint.

Repair and Care
We think you’ll also love how easy they are to maintain and fix if a cell is punctured and leaks. In performing our due diligence on this product before bringing it into our inventory, we used a standard bicycle tire repair patch kit to seal a punctured cell and it worked perfectly.

The pad is made of natural rubber and should not be exposed to UV light, or it wilal result in premature ageing of the material. Keep it away from liquids and skin creams too. Should it get dirty, the Conform Air can be easily disinfected with commonly used disinfecting sprays or wipes

If you are looking for a mattress support pad, or an air-filled insert support pad, contact the team at Essential Medical Products who can help you choose the right one for you.

Categories : Mattress Accessories

Tags : mattress, support pad

4 Ways to improve the mental health of your patients

By emp

Wednesday, May 8th, 2019

May is Canadian Mental Health Week (May 6-12) and American Mental Health Awareness Month! It’s a time to raise awareness of mental health within our communities.

Here are 4 ways you can improve mental health care for patients under your care:

1.Get current mental health training for all staff: Anyone who deals with patients at your facility should participate in regular mental health training so they are better able to spot mental health issues before they harm the patient or others. Proper recognition of physiological conditions could provide better diagnosis and prevent people from being admitted to mental health wards unless they are actually necessary.

2. Actively listen to your patients: We know being a patient is a stressful time for everyone, but you can help calm the nerves, and increase patient satisfaction if you really listen to patients needs. Be an active listener when they share their medical history with you, and even when they tell you about their grandchildren, or a recent marathon they ran!

3. Use technology when in-person visits are not possible: Staying connected to patients who have been diagnosed with mental health conditions, or those who you suspect may develop one after discharge, is crucial. Use video conferencing tools to book check-up appointments with patients who can’t easily get back to your facility, or those who don’t necessarily need a live, in-person consultation.

4. Collaborate with different departments: Collaborative care is crucial to proper diagnoses and faster recovery. Keep clear lines of communication open between doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, and any other front-line workers. If you work with paramedics or emergency health professionals, make sure you get a full incident report so you can look for potential mental health instability from other perspectives.

This week use the hashtag #GetLoud on social media in Canada and #4Mind4Body in the US to spread the word and awareness of mental health issues.

Learn more about mental health week and month at https://mentalhealthweek.ca/ and http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may

Categories : Health Care

Tags : healthcare, mental health, mental health week

Tips for preventing and responding to falls

By emp

Tuesday, April 16th, 2019

No matter our age, slips and falls are almost inevitable. However, with a little care, we can minimize our chances of falling and seriously injuring ourselves with these simple safety and preventative measures.

Clean up: How many times have you stepped on a lego block, or stumbled over a pile of dirty clothes on the floor? The simple act of clearing floors, stairways, and pathways in and around your home is one easy way to avoid falls.

Install Lighting: Install motion sensing lights along dark hallways and along exterior paths to your home for those who have difficulty seeing clearly at night.

Use Railings: Encourage children and the elderly to hold railings on stairs. This way if they accidently slip, they could catch themselves before risking serious injury. You can even install safety bars around toilets and shower stalls for anyone who needs a little help up and down (or in and out).

Install non-slip surfaces: Wood or concrete paths and stairs can get slippery in cold or wet weather and socks on wood or smooth floors can make for a slippery situation! Install non-slip pads on exterior walking surfaces, and consider covering inside floors with rugs (with a non stick bottom) to minimize slipping.

Organize your home logically: By this, we mean put things closest to where you use it most. You wouldn’t store your coffee mugs in the bathroom right? The less distance you need to travel to get things done, the lower your chances of slipping become.

Notice your footwear: Make sure you wear well fitting shoes (or slippers with non-stick bottoms). Shoes that are too big or small affect your natural walking rhythms, making you more likely to fall.

Exercise for strength: Stronger legs give you a good foundation to help minimize slips and falls.

By practicing these safety precautions, and seeking help when you need it, you can minimize your chances of serious injury from “common” slips and falls around your home.

On a related note, did you know that today, April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day, a day dedicated to increasing awareness of advanced healthcare directives and planning? If you or your loved one doesn’t have a medical plan for emergencies, please contact your local healthcare provider who can help you prepare one, or refer you to a legal professional to help.

Follow the discussion today on social media using the hashtag #HealthcareDecisionsDay.

Categories : Elderly, Safety

Tags : Elderly home safety, falls, stairs

Product Profile: LTC 4000 Mattress Family

By emp

Wednesday, March 13th, 2019

Choosing a mattress for your hospital beds can be a complicated process with so many options to choose from. Today we’re going to look at the LTC 4000 series of Intermediate care mattresses:

The LTC 4000 series of 6 inch thick mattresses are made of comfortable memory foam. Both models have a 2-inch medium-plush viscoelastic foam comfort layer on the top, and the LTC 4000 Plus Mattress also has a 4-inch multi-zone medium-firm core whereas the 4000 Ultra model has a 2-inch high resiliency transitional layer followed by a 2-inch foam core.

LTC 4000 Plus Mattress (medium firm memory foam mattress)
This mattress is ideal for patients requiring a pressure relieving surface that is both comfortable and supportive, and which helps prevent pressure sores from developing. When heat build-up is a concern, this mattress is a good choice as it helps prevent sweating from heat buildup between the mattress and patient. It provides good bedside stability and prevents entrapment.

The LTC 400 Plus mattress has a recommended max weight capacity of 350lbs.

LTC 4000 Ultra 55 Mattress (Ultra stable Firm Memory Foam)
This mattress features a high resiliency transitional layer and full height transfer borders, ensuring stability during transfers and for everyday living activities. It is the best choice when pressure sore development is a concern. Even with it’s firm mattress design, it’s still a good choice for preventing heat build up and patient sweating.

The full height exterior foam adds firmness along the edges, providing excellent bedside stability and is often recommended for heavier individuals or those simply preferring a more firm mattress.

The LTC 400 Ultra 55 mattress has a higher recommended max weight capacity of 400lbs.

The covers of both LTC 4000 series mattresses are made for all hospital beds and are available in 6 standard sizes and custom sizes are available. It is fluid-proof, non-allergenic, antibacterial, and has an antimicrobial cover. You can also get it with a non fluid-proof, organic cotton cover option.

It’s important to note that the viscoelastic layer in both the 4000 series mattresses may impair bed mobility for some patients.

Both mattresses come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and a warranty period of up to 5 years. We recommend that you select your mattress with the help of a qualified medical professional. If you have questions about these mattresses, please contact the Essential Medical Supplies team today.

Categories : Uncategorized

Tags : bedding, intermediate, mattress

What features to look for when choosing new mattresses for your healthcare facility

By emp

Wednesday, February 13th, 2019

In most hospitals and extended care facilities, your patients often spend most of their day, and night, in their bed. Being sick is a very stressful time, so by providing a comfortable bed, you’re taking one worry off their shoulders.

Here are several features of medical-grade mattresses to consider:

Pressure: Are your patients at risk of pressure sores? Look for mattresses that distribute the weight more evenly and comfortably.
Firmness: Your patients may heal faster or be more comfortable on a firmer, mattress. Mattresses often come in medium, medium-firm, or firm.
Heat: Consider if heat buildup or patient sweat could be an issue as some mattresses perform better in this area than others (although most medical-grade beds have some form of heat considerations).
Transfers: Most Essential Medical Products beds are a good choice for bedside stability and prevent entrapment, but note that a few select models have no transfer borders, reducing stability for unassisted transfers.
Bed Mobility: Ease of movement in bed is a crucial factor in avoiding pressure sores. Mattresses with thick viscoelastic top layers may impair bed mobility for some patients.
Weight: Most beds have a recommended weight capacity of 300-350 pounds. If you have bariatric patients, look for one with a higher recommended weight rating (like the LTC Bariatric & Ultra Bariatric Mattresses, which are rated for 500-700 lbs).

Don’t forget that you can always add accessories for certain bed frames and patients:

For wire spring base platforms: Mattress Protector (MBP 500)
For increased patient in-bed safety: LTC Side Rail Pads, Headboard and Footboard Pads
For protecting patients from falls: LTC Bedside Security Pads
For proper patient positioning in bed: LTC Body Positioning Wedges, and Heel Lift Wedges

If you need any help choosing the right mattress for your healthcare institution, contact the team at Essential Medical Products, or view our current mattress selection.

Categories : Uncategorized

Tags : active care mattress, Choosing a mattress, mattress, Mattress Accessories, mattress topper

Product Profile: LTC2500 and 3500 Mattresses

By emp

Wednesday, January 16th, 2019

At Essential Medical Products, we know how important a comfortable bed is to patient recovery. That’s why we carry a wide assortment of models to meet virtually any need you have. Here are 2 of our popular mattresses:

LTC 2500 Basic Comfort Mattress
This mattress combines a two-inch plush foam comfort top layer and 4 inch multi-zone medium-form core layer to provide comfort and support over vulnerable areas. You can extend the life of your mattress by adding a built-in base layer (MBP-500) to protect the bottom of the mattress when placed on wire-spring base platforms. It’s a good choice for ease of movement on the bed surface for patients under 250Lbs.

LTC 3500 Active Care Mattress
We often recommend this model for best ease of movement for patients with muscle weakness who find it difficult to move in bed. Like the 2500, the 3500 has a four inch multi-zone, medium-firm core layer and 2-inch top layer, but the top layer of the 3500 also has a contour-cut top to reduce sheer and enhance pressure distribution. It’s a better choice for ease of movement and is recommended for patients up to 350lbs.

Both the LTC 2500 and the 3500 are recommended:

for patients not at risk for pressure sore development,
for individuals requiring a medium-firm mattress,
for bedside stability and to prevent entrapment
to prevent heat build-up and sweating

Why prescribe an EMP Mattress?

They commonly outlast the competition
They have a full 2 inch topper thickness for optimal immersion
They are available in bonded or low-sheer construction
They are always in stock for fast delivery

Read our mattress product brochure to learn more about these mattresses or contact us for more information.

Categories : Uncategorized

Tags : active care mattress, comfort mattress, mattress

Happy Holidays! Where did 2018 go?

By emp

Wednesday, December 12th, 2018

It happens every year! Life moves so fast and all of a sudden it’s the winter holiday season again. Here in Vancouver, BC, we’ve been feeling the crisp air for a few weeks already.

Where did the year go? We were busy working to bring you new, innovative foam and gel products that enhance the lives of patients and healthcare practitioners. Over the past year we’ve also enjoyed writing our blog, looking at several different issues and topics related to patient safety. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our posts.

We also spent a great deal of time this year thinking about our environmental impact. Essential Medical Products is proud to be a strong advocate for environmental stewardship, and is proud to recycle 99% of our foam materials and a significant volume of our post-industrial and post-consumer waste products.

As always, we pride ourselves on unsurpassed product quality and our ability to provide innovative solutions to meet the needs of healthcare practitioners. We plan to continue to maintain our high standards into 2019 and beyond.

We wish each and every one of you a happy holiday season and hope 2019 brings you prosperity and good health. See you all in 2019!

Categories : Happy Holidays

Tags : Happy Holidays, health, winter

EMP Cares: Environmental Policies

By emp

Tuesday, November 13th, 2018

At Essential Medical Products we are conscious that medical and the healthcare industries produce a lot of environmental waste. We’re proud to do our part to reduce our environmental impact by being an environmental steward.

Foam environmental initiatives

We have developed internal processes for recycling up to 99% of our foam materials! We also carry many foam products that have a high percentage of natural ingredients, meaning that much of the petrochemicals used in manufacturing processes, are replaced with plant-based, non-food sourced polyols such as Castor. Using natural ingredients that are in abundance and renewable helps lower our carbon footprint.

Also, none of our foam products contain PBDEs or CFCs (and our Ozone layer thanks us for that).

Post-consumer product recycling

We have programs in place to recycle plastics, bonded fibre, and paper products. We also use water or reclaimed CO2 for blowing agents in our manufacturing process so no off gassing occurs.

Environmental Stewardship

We also encourage and require our material suppliers to share in our environmental policies and they need to meet or exceed public and industry environmental standards. One such standard is using polyurethane foam grades made using the patented Variable Pressure Foaming (VPF) manufacturing process. This process produces higher yields and results in reduced air emissions.

We do this because we care and we want to protect our fragile environment. By working together, we can make a difference.

Categories : Uncategorized

Tags : environment, recycling