What should you do if you discover expired medical equipment or supplies?

In scenarios involving expired medical equipment or supplies, the most appropriate response is to contact supply or class VIII for resupply. This action is critical because it ensures that you remove potentially ineffective or unsafe items from use while obtaining safe and reliable alternatives. Expired medical supplies may not function properly or could pose risks to patient safety, so it's vital to seek replenishment immediately.

Reporting findings to a superior, while important for maintaining accountability and safety protocols, does not directly address the immediate need to replace expired supplies. Discarding items is a valid response, but it does not help maintain the necessary stock of functioning equipment. Continuing to use expired items could jeopardize patient care and safety, making it a poor choice in emergency situations. Thus, contacting the appropriate supply chain is the best course of action to ensure that you have access to essential medical supplies that are within their effective dates.