lifesupportready

lifesupportready is a descriptive designation used to indicate that a system, device, or software is designed or prepared to operate in environments where life-sustaining care is required or where critical life-support equipment may be engaged. The term is not a formal standard or certification, but a label that communicates readiness to interface with life-support functions under clinically or safety-critical conditions.

In hardware and firmware, lifesupportready implies compatibility with life-support devices, robust power resilience, and predictable operation during mode transitions. Typical criteria include interoperability with ventilators, monitors, or infusion pumps; deterministic timing; comprehensive fault detection and safe-fail behavior; auditable diagnostics; and compliant documentation. It also encompasses redundancy and ruggedized design to maintain operation during power outages or environmental stress.

In software, lifesupportready may mean real-time performance, strict isolation of critical functions, support for emergency shutoff and safe-state transitions, and compliance with relevant medical software standards.

Applications include medical devices, hospital information technology, home-health systems, and safety-critical transport contexts such as aerospace or submarines where life-safety outcomes depend on reliability.

Limitations: the label does not substitute regulatory approval, clinical validation, or formal risk management. Documentation should provide evidence of testing and compliance.

See also: medical device interoperability, fail-safe design, life-support equipment, safety-critical systems.