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Regional VP of Pressure Prevention to Speak at International Seating Symposium

Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare’s Regional VP of Pressure Prevention to Speak at International Seating Symposium

Port Washington, NY – March 6, 2018

Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare announced that Karen Lerner, Regional VP of Pressure Prevention, will give a presentation entitled "Befuddled about Support Surfaces? Become an Expert" at the 34th International Seating Symposium in Vancouver, BC on March 8 at 1 p.m.

Lerner, RN, MSN, ATP, CWS, will speak on knowing when and how to recommend and evaluate the clinical effectiveness of support surfaces to help ATPs and clinicians prevent and treat pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers occur when the skin dies due to lack of blood flow. Knowing what equipment to use for each case is crucial to maintaining skin integrity and normal blood flow.

"Using the right equipment or technology on the right type of patient will affect the right clinical outcome," Lerner said. "Everyone wins. But a one-size-fits-all approach will surely create losers."

Support surfaces come in a variety of shapes and sizes specifically made for beds, chairs, wheelchairs and for use while reclining or sitting. According to Lerner, many bed surfaces are designed to not only address pressure redistribution but humidity, temperature, friction, maceration, user comfort and pulmonary function as well. Support surfaces for seats and wheelchairs aid with positioning needs as well as pressure distribution.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to support surface capabilities. Some offer pulsation instead of alternating pressure to increase lymphatic drainage and blood flow while decreasing discomfort and pain. Others are equipped with cell in cell technology that prevents bottoming out in case of power failure. Because there are so many support surface options available, it's important to become familiar with the products to meet the needs of each user or patient.

"Educated and critical thinking is required when selecting the right support surface for pressure redistribution," she said. "Look for clinical examples and referrals, learn the products and remember that support surfaces help get blood flow to the skin, a critical component of pressure prevention and treatment."

The symposium, held on March 6 - 9 at The Westin Bayshore, will host over 1,000 physiotherapists, occupational therapists, equipment suppliers, and engineers to discuss emerging research for seating and mobility practices, compare new and existing positioning and mobility equipment, techniques and interventions, and explain advantages and disadvantages of service delivery models.

To learn more about Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare and our line of support surfaces, visit www.drivemedical.com.


About Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare

Headquartered in Port Washington, New York, Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare manufactures a complete line of medical products, including mobility products, sleep and respiratory products, beds, bariatric products, wheelchairs, sleep surfaces and pressure prevention products, self-assist products, power operated wheelchairs, rehabilitation products, patient room equipment, personal care products and electrotherapy devices. Currently,the Company has corporate offices, manufacturing facilities and distribution facilities located throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, China, Hong Kong, Romania, Australia, the Netherlands and India. The Company markets its products to customers located throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Middle East and Asia. For more information, www.drivemedical.com.

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Company News

Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare Celebrates 135 Years of Respiratory Excellence

For more than 135 years, people have breathed easier because Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare was there

It all started with a humble country doctor and Civil War veteran, Dr. Allen DeVilbiss. Seeking an alternative to swabbing goose grease and Vaseline on the throats and in the nasal passages of cold sufferers, Dr. DeVilbiss developed the first spray atomizer by combining a rubber bulb, a piece of metal tubing cut from a discarded surgical instrument, and the base from an oil can. Launching the company in Toledo, Ohio in 1888 to produce this revolutionary invention, we’ve led the way in developing and manufacturing innovative respiratory and healthcare products ever since.

A Legacy of Innovation

Today, Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare still manufactures these atomizers and has brought to market some of the world’s most groundbreaking and trusted products across patient needs for respiratory care. Introducing its first stationary oxygen concentrator in 1977, Drive DeVilbiss has continuously improved oxygen technology, introducing PulseDose® conserving technology to customize oxygen delivery to patient inhalation rate more than 30 years ago. In recent years, these industry leaders have been joined by the iFill® Personal Oxygen Station and the first-of-its-kind auto-adjusting iGo2® Portable Oxygen Concentrator, now available with Bluetooth® for remote fleet monitoring.

 

For more than 40 years, the Pulmo-Aide® Compressor Nebuliser system has been trusted for the in-home treatment of asthma, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, and bronchitis. It has expanded to include the PulmoMate®, Pulmo-Aide® Compact, PulmoNeb® series, and Traveler compressors. In 1964, we pioneered and introduced ultrasonic nebulizer technology, which reduces liquid medication to ultrafine particles of uniform size similar to fog-like mist. The DeVilbiss ultrasonic nebulizer was the standard of care in hospitals and clinics for providing aerosol therapy for over two decades.

The tried-and-true Vacu-Aide® suction units are trusted to provide care to neonates, and patients with cystic fibrosis and other diseases. These compact units are robust, built to last, and with the addition of the quiet yet powerful Vacu-Aide®7325, now leverage rechargeable lithium-ion technology for long-lasting performance in an ultra-lightweight package.

A Global Leader in Quality & Reliability

Joining forces with leading DME manufacturer Drive Medical in 2015, Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare has grown to serve professionals and patients in more than 100 countries. Increasing production at our Somerset, Pennsylvania facility to an all-time high across 2020 and 2021 in response to the global pandemic, we were proud to supply health care providers with oxygen concentrators and other critical respiratory technologies needed to treat those affected by COVID-19. This dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions that enhance lives has earned us a reputation as a trusted partner in healthcare. We have consistently demonstrated our commitment to quality through meticulous engineering, quality assurance, and adherence to rigorous international standards.

Leveraging the Past for a Healthier Future

As we commemorate 135 years of helping the world breathe better, we look forward to meeting the respiratory challenges of tomorrow through the innovation, dedication, quality, and compassion that have guided us since 1888. The healthcare landscape is ever-evolving, and we are excited to continue leading the way with groundbreaking solutions that empower individuals to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

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