Many private medical service providers, volunteer fire departments, and independent ambulance companies don’t have the funds to buy brand new EMS equipment. The only other option is to buy refurbished EMS equipment. While that can sound unappealing and second-rate, there is really nothing to fear. When you learn about the high standards that refurbished equipment must meet, you’ll be confident that it is indeed quality equipment that will function when you need it, while saving money for other necessities.

If you are unfamiliar with the term “refurbished,” it simply means that a piece of equipment has been taken apart, the worn or malfunctioning components have been replaced with new parts, and the machine is then tested according to quality standards before it is sold to an EMS provider. 

The quality standards the equipment must meet are those that have been determined by the OEM, or original equipment manufacturer. No piece of refurbished equipment is sold without meeting the performance standards of the original. It has also been cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized before resale. Cosmetic issues are also addressed in refurbished equipment because equipment that looks new evokes confidence in patients and looks more professional.

In addition to saving money, buying refurbished EMS equipment offers several advantages including:

• Saving time – There is less waiting for funding when costs are more manageable.
• Preserving or increasing quality – Some refurbished equipment has been upgraded with components that were of higher quality than what the manufacturer originally used.
• The equipment will arrive sterile and ready for immediate use.

One more consideration that you should watch for when purchasing refurbished EMS equipment is if the items have a warranty from the reseller. Most resellers offer a warranty of one year.

When you decide to buy refurbished equipment, there are some things that you should look for regarding the company itself. A reputable EMS equipment reseller should:

• Have been in business for several years or can demonstrate complete understanding of the products offered
• Offer fair return policies and warranties on all refurbished and new products
• Fully explain their refurbishing process to customers
• Offer many different product options and have them available in stock
• Go beyond the transaction to provide excellent customer service, repair service, and expert knowledge of products.

Coast Biomedical Equipment offers several different brands of new and refurbished EMS equipment along with medical and training supplies. Our experts can help you find the refurbished equipment that will meet your high standards and needs. Contact us today to learn more.