Biomedical Q&A: Behind the Scenes with Pam Eaton

Ever wondered what goes into maintaining and repairing high-end respiratory equipment? Join us for an exclusive Q&A with Pam Eaton, Sales Manager of Biomedical Services at Trace Medical. Get insights into the world of biomedical services and how Trace Medical ensures the highest standards of patient safety and equipment reliability.

INSIDE THE WORLD OF BIOMEDICAL SERVICES for DMEs

Hi Pam, can you tell us a bit about your role at Trace Medical?

Pam: I am the Sales Manager of Biomedical Services, and I wear many hats. I maintain relationships with our current customers while promoting our services to DME companies. I also travel around the country supporting state associations and national shows.

How did you get into this industry?

Pam: I have been in this industry all my life. I am a Respiratory Therapist by trade. My husband, Steve, and I started MedEquip Service Solutions in 2006, because we saw a need in the respiratory industry for repairs. Steve was more hands-on initially, as I was a full-time Respiratory Therapist working in the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) industry. I officially joined my husband full-time in 2017, supporting state associations and marketing our services. Trace Medical purchased us in 2023, and here we are today! With Trace’s help, we have expanded our service line to offer more repairs.

What are biomedical services, and why are they important in healthcare?

Pam: Biomedical Services are similar to the car industry. Think car repairs. You want to bring your car in every 10,000 miles to ensure it lasts as long as possible while running its best. The same goes for ventilators. Routine maintenance keeps your equipment compliant and running at manufacturer specifications, ensuring the end user gets the best equipment available.

What types of medical equipment do you typically work with?

Pam: We work on most high-end respiratory equipment a DME company would provide. This includes ventilators, cough assist devices, CPAPs, BiPAPs, portable oxygen concentrators, and stationary concentrators.

How often should medical equipment be serviced?

Pam: Each manufacturer and specific equipment have different guidelines.

What qualifications should a biomedical technician have?

Pam: Our technicians go through each manufacturer’s training before being allowed to work on specific equipment.

How can a DME benefit from outsourcing biomedical services to Trace Medical?

Pam: We offer quick turnaround times. For basic preventative maintenance, our average turnaround time is 5-7 business days. Repairs may take a few days longer. Although we keep a large inventory of parts, sometimes we face long back orders from manufacturers.

Why should I ship my equipment instead of waiting for pick up?

Pam: For basic preventative maintenance, you generally get your equipment back within 2 weeks using UPS or FedEx. When you ship us your unit, we fix it and send it back. With normal pick-up and delivery methods, they may come only once a month, so waiting a month or more without your equipment can be stressful. Since we are centrally located in Arkansas, the longest transit time we see is a maximum of 4 business days each way.

What are the best practices for managing biomedical equipment inventory?

Pam: Getting organized and knowing what maintenance is required and when for each device you have is crucial. Staying on top of routine maintenance is very important. Not keeping your respiratory equipment up to date could lead to patient harm or other issues. There is software available that can help your company stay on top of maintenance.

How do biomedical services contribute to patient safety?

Pam: Following manufacturer guidelines, servicing, and repairing units to manufacturer specifications is key to making sure each piece of equipment is operating reliably and effectively.

What is the process for calibrating medical equipment?

Pam: Each manufacturer has its own required specifications. When calibrating the equipment, we use the manufacturer software that calibrates the individual parts. It checks components such as flow pressure, batteries, and the boards.

How does Trace Medical stay up to date with the latest industry standards and technologies?

Pam: At Trace, we are always in the know through our great relationships with our vendor partners. If something changes, we ensure it is implemented in servicing. We are also always looking to partner and service with other manufacturers to support current and future customers.

Do you service bug-infested or smoke-damaged units?

Pam: Yes, we do. We open each ventilator that comes in for service to determine if there is any damage from either insects or smoke.

What goes into fixing a bug or smoke-damaged ventilator?

Pam: It depends on the issue. If the ventilator has live or dead bugs, we quarantine the unit for 2 weeks first. The next steps are the same for smoke or bug units. We completely break the unit down and clean or replace each component to make it patient-ready. This process typically takes a couple of hours.

Why should a DME want to fix a bug or smoke-damaged ventilator?

Pam: After we fully repair the ventilator, it’s like a brand-new unit internally. Trace ensures that when a ventilator goes back out into the field, it is patient-ready and safe. Manufacturers will not accept these units. When a bug or smoke-damaged unit comes in, it voids the ventilator warranty completely. You don’t want a ventilator you can’t use just sitting on the shelf collecting dust. Repairing these ventilators is usually much less costly than buying a new one.

Why Trace?

Pam: We stand by our work. If something goes wrong, reach out. When you call or email us with questions or concerns, you will get a real human based right here in the United States. Everyone on our team has a passion for this industry, and we truly care about you and your patients.

Final Thoughts

Pam Eaton’s insights highlight the critical role of biomedical services in ensuring the safety and reliability of medical equipment. At Trace Medical, we are dedicated to providing top-notch service and support to our clients. If you have any questions or need assistance with your biomedical equipment, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Let’s work together to ensure the highest standards of care for your patients.

📞 Contact us today at 888-627-0950 or visit our website to learn more about our services and how we can support your biomedical needs.