For a FREE brochureCall (800)920-3410Be Ready & Protected
For Emergencies

Device Check List

Please use this checklist to use and maintain your medical device safely and effectively in your home

As a homecare medical device user, you should know how your device works.

  • Read your patient education information.
  • Ask your doctor or supplier questions about your device and take notes.
  • Ask what you need to operate your device.
    • Do you need electricity, running water, telephone, or computer connections to operate your device?
  • Check to see that your home is suited for your device.
    • Do the stairs, doorways, bathrooms, house wiring, present any problems?
  • Keep Instructions for Use close to your device.
  • Pay attention to alarms and error messages.
    • Be familiar with what the alarms and error messages mean.
  • Follow Instructions as given.
  • Call supplier for help if you don't understand how your device works.
  • Report to your doctor or device supplier any new problems you have with the device

Take care of your device and operate it according to the manufacturer's directions.

  • Read your instructions for taking care of your device and follow them for:
    • cleaning
    • replacing batteries, filters
    • protecting your device (e.g. keep food and drinks away from your device).
  • Can you safely take your device from home to school, work, church, and vacation spots?
    • Check ahead to see if these other places are suited for your device.
  • Dispose of your medical device according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Always have a back-up plan and supplies.

  • Make sure you know what to do if your device fails.
  • Have emergency phone numbers for suppliers, homecare agency, doctor, and manufacturer.
    • Be sure that you have the after-hour phone numbers.
  • If appropriate, keep extra batteries for your device.
    • Know how to replace them.

Educate your family and caregivers about your devices.

  • Include them in hospital planning meetings or any device demonstrations.
  • Ask them to do a hands-on demonstration to show they can effectively use the device.

Keep children and pets away from your medical device.

  • Don't let children play with dials, Settings, on/off switches, tubings, machine vents, or electrical cords.
  • Don't allow pets to chew or play with electrical cords.
  • Check with your supplier to see if you can turn off your device when not using it.

Contact your doctor and home healthcare team often to review your health condition.

  • Check to see if there are new conditions that may change the way you or your caregiver use the device.
    • Are there changes in vision, hearing, ability to move?
    • Have you had an illness, new medicines, loss of feeling?

Report any serious injuries, deaths, or close calls.

  • Report these events to FDA at 1-800-332-1088.
  • Report these events to your supplier.
  • FDA will take action when needed to protect the public's health.