Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Chest drains are used to allow the draining of fluid or air from the chest. Autotransfusion systems allow for a person to receive their own blood for a transfusion instead of using a banked allogenic (separate-donor) blood. All three devices are vital in a hospital setting. Unfortunately, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has added both wearable and non-wearable AEDs, chest drains/suction canisters and autotransfusion systems to the list of medical devices in short supply. This is due to the level of supply expected for at least the rest of 2022.
