Are there specific products you recommend for Central Supply or Sterile Process Departments?
Both of these departments require a large amount of lifting and transporting equipment and supplies. Because of this, several of our products can provide significant benefits such as increased safety and efficiency. Specifically, we suggest learning more about the Ergo-Express® motorized carts, tugs and Lift-O-Flex Lifters.
(Back to Top)
How do you recommend using a lifter in our department?
For central supply or sterile processing departments, a product like the Lift-O-Flex lifter can take the strain out of moving heavy instrument trays in and out of autoclaves or moving supplies to and from shelving. With the push of a button you can lift and lower the heaviest of loads. Various accessories allow the lifter to adapt to whatever container or supply you are moving.
(Back to Top)
What are the benefits of motorization?
The immediate benefits are efficiency and safety. With manual carts, moving medical equipment and surgical supplies from the OR and other areas for decontamination and cleaning can require multiple trips. With a motorized cart or tug, one person can safely move more with one trip.
The Ergo-Express® Tug and Hitch system easily retrofits to your existing case carts and allows one person to pull a train of case carts through tight areas and right into your OR.
The Tug’s alternate Universal Hitching System is ideal when you need to only move one cart at a time. This hitch requires no adaptation of your current carts. Simply push down on the hitch plate with your foot and watch the Universal Hitch grab the base of your cart for effortless transport.
Motorization also makes moving equipment safer and easier. Carts are simply driven by guiding it down hallways and through doorways rather than pushing, pulling or muscling it where you it need it to be. Tugs operate in a similar way and allow you to guide the motion of a manual cart by allowing the tug to provide the force.
(Back to Top)
Can you help us determine and demonstrate how these factors would specifically benefit our organization?
Yes, we offer a free customized risk assessment and cost analysis, which can be used to determine the benefits of motorization in your department. This information can be invaluable in your decision-making and approval processes.
(Back to Top)
Is there a way to motorize our current carts?
Yes, your current cart or equipment can be retrofitted and mounted on a motorized platform cart.
(Back to Top)
Can your carts be customized to meet our specific needs?
Yes, essentially all our carts are custom. Accessories such as wire racks and enclosures can be added to Ergo Express® Platform carts or case carts or surgical carts can be developed to your specifications.
(Back to Top)
What is an “on demand” retractable drive?
The retractable drive feature on an Ergo Express® cart retracts (or lifts) the two motorized wheels off the floor with the push of a button. Much like raising the fifth wheel on a gurney, this allows the cart to have 360 degree maneuverability from the four wheels that remain on the ground. The benefit is that the cart can easily be positioned into tight treatment rooms and elevators.
(Back to Top)
Do the carts require regular maintenance? How frequently?
The only regular maintenance is to replace the battery each year. To help you remember, a reminder letter is sent on the 11th month of each year with information on how to order a new battery. Installation is quick and easy.
Depending on usage, casters and wheels wear out – just like the tires on your car, but that is a less frequent maintenance item that varies for every department.
(Back to Top)
Are you available if I have questions?
Yes, 24/7 technical support assistance is provided for the life of your cart. It doesn’t end when your warranty ends. You can call any time, day or night, for anything from how to turn the key to how to replace the battery.
(Back to Top)
What safety features do your carts have?
Our carts have numerous safety features built in. These include:
- Self Braking – Immediate controlled deceleration when you release the throttle. The transaxle is locked so the cart cannot move forward or backward until you pull back on the throttle.
- In Motion Alarm with On/Off Control – Alert those around you as you move. Can also be turned off in quiet surroundings.
- Emergency Stop Switch – Also called the Emergency Brake Button. This large, blue button on the end of the controller immediately locks the brake when depressed, regardless of whether you are traveling forward or in reverse.
- Forward/Reverse Directional Control – Safety feature that forces you to cognitively decide if you are going to travel forward or in reverse.
(Back to Top)
Phone: 888-639-5438 OR 763-498-7576 | Fax: 763-498-8128 | E-mail: info@phswest.com
Copyright © 2006 PHS West, Inc.