When should a BMET report equipment failure?

A Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET) should report equipment failure immediately if patient safety is at risk because the primary responsibility of a BMET is to ensure that medical equipment functions properly and safely for patient care. Medical equipment is often critical to patient diagnosis and treatment, and any malfunction can pose a direct threat to patient wellbeing.

In situations where equipment failure could jeopardize patient safety, timely reporting allows for quick corrective actions to be taken, whether that involves repair, replacement, or a temporary withdrawal of faulty equipment from use. This action is crucial for maintaining high standards of patient care and ensuring that healthcare providers have access to reliable tools for their work. Timeliness in communication regarding safety risks can help prevent adverse events or complications related to equipment issues.

The other options do not prioritize patient safety in the same way. Reporting only when requested by a supervisor lacks immediacy and may delay necessary action. Conducting a secondary review could delay the reporting process when urgent action is needed, and reporting based solely on equipment age does not consider the immediate status of functionality and safety. Thus, the correct approach focuses on immediate action when patient safety is at stake.