Electricity in hospitals: elimination of lethal hazards

The danger of patients being electrocuted in hospitals, particularly those who are ``wired´´ to cardiac catheters, electronic pacemakers, and defibrillators¿ or connected to these and other devices simultaneously¿has been the subject of numerous articles in leading newspapers, and in technical and professional publications. Physicians, engineers, and consumer-interest activists have offered statistics and opinions on the extent of these hazards. The range of concern involved among those either directly or peripherally involved with medical-electric equipments seems to run from consternation to minimal perturbation. Thus it is a controversial subject. Suggestions have been made that hospitals and medical-engineering staffs should adopt purchase-selection programs to evaluate the competing claims that equipment salesmen make for their products. Such programs might also include the testing and rating of medical devices and electronic apparatus. Proper maintenance of equipment and adequately trained operators of such devices in hospitals are equally important aspects of a comprehensive safety program.