What should a BMET do if a device has injured a patient?

When a biomedical equipment technician (BMET) encounters a device that has caused injury to a patient, the appropriate response is to notify risk management and secure the device.

Securing the device is crucial to prevent any further incidents or injuries, as it ensures that the equipment is no longer in use while an investigation is conducted into the cause of the injury. Additionally, notifying risk management is essential because they are responsible for assessing risks within the healthcare facility and implementing measures to mitigate future occurrences. This step typically involves analyzing the incident, reviewing procedures, and determining any necessary corrective actions to improve patient safety.

It is not sufficient to simply conduct normal testing and repairs on the device, as this approach may overlook important safety concerns and the need for a thorough investigation of the incident. Furthermore, although notifying the FDA may be appropriate in certain circumstances involving widespread safety issues or potential recalls, immediate internal protocols and risk management procedures should take precedence in addressing the specific incident. Thus, the combination of notifying risk management and securing the device is the most comprehensive and responsible action a BMET can take in such a situation.