Authorized Medical Devices for Uses During COVID-19 From Health Canada

With the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak still spreading throughout the world, it is important to continue practicing safety and treatment precautions every way we can. This is especially true for countries such as Canada, where the pandemic is slowing down but still far from being fully eradicated. 

To make sure that the general population and medical experts have the support they need, Health Canada is taking active measures during COVID-19. One of these approaches is managing the use of authorized medical devices during the novel coronavirus.

From an infrared thermometer to a face shield Canada experts can obtain easily, here’s an overview of the diagnostic and personal protective equipment (PPE) that you need to be aware of while treating patients during COVID-19.

Diagnostic Device: A Non-contact Thermometer That Delivers Immediate Results

One of the most common symptoms of COVID-19 is the emergence of fever. It is also one of the first signs of a novel coronavirus infection. This is why a body temperature check is an easy way to detect possible cases. 

Unless the patient you are treating is asymptomatic to COVID-19, running a thermal check helps you advise patients on taking the next steps towards a proper diagnosis. With this in mind, it’s important that you have the right equipment in place to carry out this simple yet crucial practice.

Due to the critical nature of this particular step, Health Canada has authorized the use of non-contact infrared (IR) thermometers that provide immediate results. Available in the form of handheld devices, these IR thermometers can help you run quick body temperature checks. Due to their widespread availability, these thermometers are easily accessible and help you fulfill an important diagnostic requirement for your regular patients. 

PPE: A Face Shield Canada Health Experts Can Access Easily

The novel coronavirus is commonly spread through respiratory droplets that are released into the air by an infected person. However, it is not the only way that the virus can transmit to other people. 

Anyone infected by COVID-19 can inadvertently spread the virus to others through splashes of larger respiratory fluids to their eyes, nose, or mouth. These instances can occur with sneezes or coughs from even a mildly symptomatic patient. They can also take place during the intubation process for a patient with serious symptoms. 

Due to these possibilities, Health Canada has authorized the use of face shields for medical uses. Typically made out of thermoplastics, these transparent shields effectively cover the wearer’s eyes, nose, and mouth. As a result, the shield becomes the first point of contact against potentially harmful splashes. 

The authorized forms of these face shields include conventional designs, all of which properly cover the face of the wearer. Nearly all of such face shields are widely available through credible vendors, which makes it easy for you to use them during your medical practice.

Ventilator: An Emergency Ventilator That Offers Critical Support for Patients

One of the life-threatening symptoms of COVID-19 comes in the form of breathing issues. When the infection is serious, these problems can also grow to the point where patients are unable to breathe on their own. This calls for a critical need for ventilators, which could help the patient breathe until the infection wears off. 

In addition to recommending a face shield Canada health experts can wear during intubation, Health Canada has also authorized the use of emergency ventilators. These mobile ventilators are typically utilized during emergency transfers and transport. But under COVID-19, they can be used to help patients where other ventilators are not available. 

These emergency and transport ventilator models are also easily obtainable by medical professionals. This makes them a critical item for those facilities that offer support to patients suffering from the novel coronavirus. If your medical operation falls under this category, you can turn to these devices to help during your treatment procedures.

PPE: A Respirator That Decreases the Infection Risk for the Wearer

The novel coronavirus is highly contagious, and increased exposure can pose incredible risks to any healthy individual. This is why PPE is an imperative and non-negotiable requirement for healthcare professionals who are battling on the frontlines against COVID-19. 

By wearing targeted PPE, you can decrease the chances of contracting the novel coronavirus while treating your patients. In COVID-19 applications, one of the most critical pieces of PPE is an N95 respirator. The specialized face mask filters the air for the wearer. As a result, it provides protection against 95 percent of micro-particles in the air, including the virus that causes COVID-19. 

Health Canada has designated N95 respirators as one of its authorized medical devices for use during the novel coronavirus. In addition to a face shield Canada health experts can wear during patient interactions, the N95 respirator offers enhanced protection to the user. If you treat COVID-19 patients on a regular basis, it’s critical to look into this respirator. 

Pulse Oximeter: A Device That Helps You Monitor Oxygen Saturation in Patients

Since most of the serious COVID-19 cases report breathing issues, it’s important for healthcare professionals to keep an eye on all patients for related problems. This includes those patients who show mild symptoms, as well as those who are recovering from a serious infection. 

Due to this critical requirement for observation and treatment, Health Canada has approved the use of a pulse oximeter during COVID-19. By simply attaching to the patient’s finger, the device is able to easily detect if they have a healthy heart rate and oxygen circulation. If there are any irregularities, healthcare professionals can take additional measures for treatments before the symptoms get more serious.  

While pulse oximeters have been flying off the shelves for home use to detect shortness of breath, they are still widely accessible by the general public and health professionals alike. Given that the device is easy to operate yet effective in its results, it’s prudent to have it in your healthcare facility. 

By keeping these authorized medical devices in mind, you can ensure to follow Health Canada guidelines for proper safety and treatment practices. This allows you to be in line with expert recommendations and lets you help patients from a place of information.

Read more: What Will The Future of Work Look Like Post-Pandemic?