Second Chance at Life with a Defibrillator Rental

Second Chance at Life

Facts about Matt Krueger…

  • Lives in Genoa, IL
  • Married
  • Has 4 children
  • In his thirties
  • Enjoys basketball
  • Died on March 2, 2013

Krueger may have passed in March, but this is not his obituary. Instead, it is the story of his revival back to life and the importance of having an automated external defibrillator (AED) available in every environment.

Krueger Family

Survivor, Matt Krueger, and his family (photo courtesy www.dailyherald.com)

You can’t pick the time and place to have a heart attack. Matt Krueger can attest to that. During an interview, Krueger said “I felt perfectly fine that morning so you never know when you’re life can change in an instant.”

During a typical Saturday morning game of basketball with the guys at Christ Community Church in St. Charles, Krueger went into cardiac arrest. Due to the quick thinking of some fellow players, chest compressions were started, and the church’s defibrillator was fetched. Demetrio Torres, a police officer that was on the scene as a teammate, is credited for orchestrating the life-saving event in a calm and composed manner. His expertise and training allowed him to lead the teammates in responding appropriately, therefore saving a friend’s life.

This is just one of countless stories in which having an AED on-site meant Daddy will be coming home later instead of the ill-fated opposite.

AED Rentals are Just a Heartbeat Away

Heartland MedicalThe team at Heartland Medical know the importance of having a defibrillator readily available in all locations. They have been offering life-saving equipment for rent across our great nation for over 30 years now. Alongside defibrillators, they also provide anesthesia machine rentals, C-arm systems for rent, as well as additional surgical equipment. Their AED rentals are often sought during temporary situations that may include summer camps, outdoor adventures, out of town extracurriculars, special events, or even family picnics. If you, your family, your friends, or anyone you know needs a defibrillator, check out Heartland Medical’s corporate rental store on Rent It Today. With just the pulse of a few buttons, Rent It Today makes it simple to locate all your medical equipment needs.

As responding officer and teammate Torres said after the incident, “If they didn’t have that (AED) there, the outcome would’ve been terrible.” Let’s not put that theory to test. Contact Heartland Medical, and get your life-saving equipment today!

Take a Stroll Along the San Antonio River Walk

Ability Scooters Image

They often say things are bigger in Texas. If you’ve ever walked along the San Antonio River, you might start thinking to yourself that things might be more beautiful there as well. Located one story beneath the streets of downtown San Antonio, the San Antonio River Walk, or Paeseo del Rio, is a network of walkways running five miles along the banks of the San Antonio River.

A City Full of History and Beauty

A public park, the River Walk is open 365 days a year and connects the city’s major tourist attractions including the Alamo, Rivercenter Mall, San Antonio Museum of Art, Arneson River Theatre and La Villita, and the historic Pearl Brewery. If you plan on checking out the sites, remember to bring your smartphone. Several QR codes have been placed along the River Walk that, when scanned, provide a visitor with information about a particular location. Although the River Walk is most famous for its views of the San Antonio River and collection of historic landmarks, it has recently become a major tourist draw on its own. The host of more than 20 events each year and lined by several shops, bars, and restaurants, the River Walk attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

Grab a Scooter and Go!

Ability ScootersWanting to take a jaunt on the Paeseo del Rio but walking is an issue? Ability Scooters has a solution. Locally owned and operated, Ability Scooters carries a wide selection of rental mobility equipment including wheelchairs, knee walkers, and seated scooters to fit your needs. Conveniently located near the San Antonio International Airport, Ability Scooters offers long or short term rental packages and delivery in and around San Antonio. Since 2009, Ability Scooters has remained committed to providing outstanding service and new and innovative products that help make their customers’ lives easier.

For more information on Ability Scooters, check out their inventory page on Rent It Today!

Top Oddball Excuses Landlords Hear When Tenants Don’t Pay the Rent

Stop Making Excuses

Excuses, excuses. They didn’t work in school. They didn’t go over well with the parents. They don’t fly at work, and they certainly aren’t gonna make a bit of difference to your landlord.

A survey in Scotland came up with a top ten list of crazy excuses tenants have given as to why they couldn’t pay the rent. You can read the full story for the entire list, but I’ve chosen to share my three personal favorites with you.

“I have a phobia about touching my checkbook.”

Phobias come in all shapes and sizes. I’m not going to argue anyone’s issues, because I’ve got some doozies of my own. I won’t go into detail, but if you wanna watch a grown woman pass out, put a Popsicle stick or wooden spoon in my hand.

This tenant may have legitimately had a phobia connected to germs that hindered her from paying the rent.  Or maybe it was a fear of bouncing things, like checks.

“My pet died and I have to pay the funeral costs.”

I totally get this one. When my sweet kitty Ti-Jo passed when I was in college, I wore black for a month. My parents wouldn’t let me get him stuffed, so I did the next best thing so he could stay with me forever and had him cremated. Although I did not hold a funeral per se, I definitely broke the bank with the memorial shrine, antique fur holder, professionally framed pictures, hand-painted sweatshirt, and cedar engraved urn that I purchased.

So I’m certain if this tenant’s pet really did die, and she cared for it in the least, she spent a good deal of money memorializing it and truly couldn’t pay the rent. Side note – shoot me a message if you want an extended laugh about the engraving on my cat’s urn, and why it may have cost more than typical engravings.

“The money fell out of my pocket.”

Unless you purchased them in the 80′s, gone are the days of the “Mom jeans.” Since many of us refused to succumb to the horror of  wearing them, denim companies had no other choice but to respond. Sadly, they did so by designing jeans for 40 year olds the same as my 4 year olds. Not only do they barely cover our “assets,” but the slit in front formerly known as a pocket no longer exists. Instead, in its place is a seam that looks like it should be able to hold my Chapstick, but is really only a decorative stitch at most that is clearly only there to accentuate my child-bearing hips.

So yes, I absolutely believe this tenant lost the rent money so long as she is a woman, a Mother, and not wearing Jordache.

So there you have it – my top three of the survey that took place in Scotland. Your thoughts? Are you a landlord that has heard a good one or two? If so, please share below!

Rent a Scooter to Get Around the “Greatest Show on Grass”

Southwest Mobility Image

Rent equipment from Southwest Mobility to get around the Phoenix Open

The sport of golf certainly isn’t for everyone but if you’re a fan of the game, there are few bigger events than the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Over its 78 year history, the tournament has attracted some of the biggest names in the sport – Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Phil Mickelson, and Tiger Woods – and largest crowds in its history. In 2008, the event attracted over 500,000 spectators to set a PGA Tour tournament week attendance record and in 2013 the Phoenix Open set a single day record with nearly 180,000 fans on hand to watch Arizona State alum Phil Mickelson capture his third win at Scottsdale.

Although the tournament is the main attraction, thousands of fans and other visitors of Scottsdale let loose at the party across the street. After the day’s round is over and the players head to the clubhouse, the action moves to the Birds Nest, an entertainment venue located across from the tournament entrance, for live entertainment. From live concerts headlined by some of the hottest names in music to outstanding food and drinks, the Birds Nest is the best spot in Scottsdale to unwind and have a little fun after a long day cheering on the pros from the gallery.

Southwest Mobility Has a Solution

Southwest MobilityIf you have a little trouble getting around but still want to partake in the festivities Southwest Mobility has the solution. Specializing in the mobility needs of customers in Arizona since 1989, Southwest Mobility has a large selection of mobility and medical equipment for rent from some of the best manufacturers in the industry. From scooters and wheelchairs to powerchairs and walkers, Southwest Mobility has the equipment you need to follow your favorite golfer on the course or get around the city of Scottsdale. Committed to superior customer service, Southwest Mobility offers in-home demonstrations at no extra charge and free in-state delivery.

To browse available equipment for rent, you can stop by one of their two retail locations in Arizona, or view a product list on the company’s page on Rent It Today!

Globalstar Sends Second Generation Satellites into Space

Satellite Phone Solutions Image

In a move to improve communications for its satellite customers, Globalstar has successfully launched its second generation of satellites. The six satellites were sent into space aboard a Russian rocket in March 2013 and will be added to the existing 18-satellite Globalstar network. By August, all satellites will be in place and “a crystal-clear communications network for Globalstar subscribers will be established,” according to the company. Additionally, Globalstar hopes that by offering more reliable service, it will be able to attract new customers and boost its bottom line. The company’s GSP-1700 phones retail for about $500 and service plans cost between $300 and $1,200 annually. Globalstar currently has around 100,000 voice service customers.

Where to Get a Satellite Phone

Thinking about purchasing a satellite phone but would rather try it before you by it? Are you heading to the Carribean and need to rent a satellite phone before you set out on your trip? Satellite Phone Solutions (SPS) can help. Satellite Phone Solutions carries Satellite Phone Solutionsthe best brands in the business – including GlobalStar, Iridium, and IsatPhone – at competitive prices.

SPS Meets the Needs of its Customers

To meet the needs of its customers, Satellite Phone Solutions offers both weekly and seasonal rental packages. Rates for a satellite phone start at just $27 per week for a pay-per-use program and $59 week for unlimited airtime and full SPOT service. Need a device for a seasonal activity such as hunting or fishing? SPS offers a four-month flat-rate satellite phone package for just $350. Aside from great products and great prices, SPS also offers straight-forward shipping costs, no hidden charges, and guarantees to get the phone in its customer’s hands a couple of days before their trip at no extra charge.

Ready to rent with SPS? You can find their nationwide corporate rental store over on Rent It Today, where we make renting your satellite phones and additional electronics simple! And don’t forget to keep in touch with the latest communication devices from Satellite Phone Solutions by “liking” them on Facebook, following them on Twitter, and adding them to your Google+ circles.

Downtown Disney Isn’t a Theme Park (and That’s a Good Thing)

Discount Mobility Image

If you’ve ever been to Walt Disney World, you know it’s all about the theme parks – and for good reason. The Magic Kingdom, the first of four theme parks built at Disney World, is one of the most visited theme parks on earth while Epcot hosts over 10 million visitors each year. Admission to these amazing attractions, however, isn’t exactly cheap. For families on a budget who want to experience a different part of the resort (and avoid long lines and overpriced concessions), there’s Downtown Disney.

Downtown Disney – A Fun and Free Alternative

Open year-round to the public, Downtown Disney is an expansive outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex located on the waterfront at the Walt Disney World Resort on Lake Buena Vista. Home to several world-class restaurants and over 40 amazing shops including the world’s largest Disney store, Downtown Disney requires no admission fee and also offers complimentary parking and transportation to all Wald Disney World Resorts. Aside from offering unique and memorable dining and shopping experiences, Downtown Disney is also home to Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba, the House of Blues, Planet Hollywood, Disney Quest, and the Lego Imagination Center. Sure, Downtown Disney might not offer the thrills of Space Mountain but you won’t have to fight thousands of other guests and tourists to have a good time.

Discount Mobility Will Help You Get Around Disney

Electric Wheelchair

Click on the image for information on this rental.

Now that you’ve added Downtown Disney to your family trip itinerary, you might want to think about how grandma is going to get around the resort. Don’t worry – Discount Mobility Rentals is there to help. Located in nearby Ocala, Discount Mobility Rentals provides the very best in mobility rental equipment from some of the top manufacturers in the industry. Offering daily, weekly, and monthly rental packages, Discount Mobility Rentals carries everything from travel and heavy duty scooters to wheelchairs and knee walkers. Additionally, Discount Mobility Rentals offers free delivery and pick-up services seven days a week and free damage insurance on all equipment.

Ready to rent? Avoid the expensive rates at the resort and contact an online 24-hour customer service agent at Discount Mobility Rental or visit their page on Rent It Today!

See the Pacific Northwest on the Back of a BMW Motorcycle

Columbia River Gorge 2

Let’s face it. We could all use a little more vacation time. On any given day, most of us daydream about relaxing in a faraway destination on more than a few occasions. The problem is that for whatever reason, we can’t tear ourselves from our work. Perhaps we fear what may happen should we take some time away or maybe we’ve forgotten what it feels like to just let go. The feeling you get while running along a beach at sunrise or driving along the coast with the windows rolled down; the excitement of visiting a foreign city or riding on the back of a motorcycle for the very first time. These are the experiences that we remember. These are the experiences that keep us alive.

Burn Rubber on a BMW Bike

Since its launch in 2004, hundreds of thousands of travelers have toured a part of the world while riding on the back of the BMW R1200GS motorcycle. The best selling bike that BMW has ever built, the R1200GS was hailed by Cycle World as “the most successful motorcycle in the last two-and-a-half decades” and has been featured in both television shows and movies. The bike is powered by BMW’s boxer engine and newer models offer many different ride modes and suspension settings. The 2013 edition also features off-road traction control, linked brakes, and a more slender midsection. Most importantly, the bike is fun to ride and is widely considered the gold standard in adventure touring.

Mad Bull MotoLocated just west of Portland, Oregon, Mad Bull Moto Rental has the motorcycle you need to take an exciting two-wheeled trek through the Pacific Northwest. Mad Bull Moto offers both daily and weekly rental packages and carries some of the best adventure bikes on the market including the BMW R1200GS, KTM 990 Adventure, 696 Ducati, and the Kawasaki Concours 1400. As a custom outfitter, Mad Bull Moto can help plan a trip to meet your needs. Whether you are looking to travel town-to-town, take a camping trip in a nearby state park, or organize a group ride, the experts at Mad Bull Moto will work to accommodate your requests. From novice to enthusiasts, Mad Bull Moto wants to make sure every customer has a safe but spectacular ride.

For more information on Mad Bull Moto and view a list of motorcycles and rates, visit their website or check out their page on Rent It Today!

Linen Service Provides Convenience, Less Headaches

Linen Finder Image

Whether you operate a hospital, manage a restaurant or hotel, or provide uniforms for the employees of your small business, linens are just one of the many expenses to factor into your company’s budget. As you look for ways to cut costs, you might consider moving linen services in-house. Sure, it may seem like a safe play but it could end up costing you more in the long run. Don’t believe me? Consider these three points.

Cost

The initial cost to moving your linen service in-house is probably much higher than you think. From purchasing linens, equipment, and cleaning products to hiring a staff to sterilize, organize, and distribute the items, the investment in an in-house facility is huge. Companies that choose to use a linen service avoid these initial costs and can invest their savings back into their business.

Space

OK, so you’ve determined the initial cost of in-house service isn’t much of a concern. You may have the necessary funds but do you have the necessary amount of space? Aside from room for washers and dryers, you also need an area to sort and store your linens. Will you need to hang shelves? Do you need to install racks? Will you need to build-out an entire space for processing? If you answered yes to any of these questions, that initial cost just got higher. Of course, you could always use a linen service. They have an existing processing facility and plenty of space to store your linens. Out of sight and out of the way.

Inventory

Still convinced in-house is the way to go? Don’t forget about the cost of maintaining your inventory. Over time, your linens will undergo a lot of abuse. From rips and tears to holes and stains, linens are susceptible to damage with regular use. Do you have the means to replace damaged or missing linens? If not, you may want to consider a linen service that will inspect and replace your business’ linen inventory at no additional cost.

Linen FinderWhat’s that? You’ve decided to go with an outside linen service? We knew you’d come around.

Linen Service is a free online tool that allows businesses to locate the right linen and uniform service or supplier for their individual needs. From restaurants and hotels to hospitals and small businesses, Linen Finder covers all major U.S. markets and Canada and provides companies with the best possible options in their area. For more information on Linen Finder and to browse their list of services, check out their page on Rent It Today!

Even Superheroes Get Super Tired – Treat Your Mom this Mother’s Day

Mom Tattoo

Research has shown the absolute minimum resources necessary for physical well-being include meeting three traditional basic needs: food and water, shelter, and clothing. This may be true for some, but for mothers, it couldn’t be more inaccurate. If that really was the case, our great planet would be pretty scarce of Mamas.

  • Became a MomI am a Mother. Since becoming responsible for keeping two humans alive, the only food that I’ve consumed has been quickly prepared and eaten cold. I drink more wine than water, mostly because…well, I have children.
  • My shelter is overcrowded with princess everything, board games that take too damn long to play without cheating, and a whole bunch of little trinkety toys that seek out my bare feet and should be considered illegal.
  • As for my clothing – well, since having children, my size has changed, but my style hasn’t. If I’m not in “workout clothes” (that have never been through any form of workout), then you’ll find me squeezing into the same stuff I’ve worn for the past 10 years.Let me be clear, this is not by choice. First, I don’t have the time to go shopping, because I’m always taking care of my kids. And for anyone who just thought, “Just take them with you…” I’ll be dropping off my two year old son as you enter any facility other than a bouncy castle center. Second, I do not have the energy to go shopping, because I’m awakened throughout every night for a glass of water, a potty break, to comfort a nightmare, or check vitals of a sick kid. Third, I do not have the money to go shopping, because all my green goes towards more princess tiaras and death trinkets.

But guess what? I wouldn’t change my version of basic needs for anything.

Messy HouseMake Your Mum Feel Spavelous

This Mother’s Day, I don’t want a hot meal, new furniture, or even a pair of jeans that actually fit. I want quiet. I want pampering. I want to go to the bathroom by myself. None of these are possible at home. But they are feasible during a stint a day spa! (Notice, I said a day spa, and not a retreat or resort. Mama can’t be away from the nest for more than a few hours, unless she wants to return to a frazzled Daddy, a food covered toddler, a thousand Q-tips, diapers, cotton balls, forks, and some sort of goo strewn around the house, and a preschooler who found Mommy’s make-up.)

Here’s a list of some of the top day spas, per Spavelous.com, in the US that I’m certain would make your Mama smile.Superhero Moms

  1. Glen Ivy in California
  2. Hanalei Day Spa in Hawaii
  3.  27 Om Spa in New York
  4. Cape May Day Spa in New Jersey
  5. Scottsdale Spa and Holistic Massage in Arizona

To make Mother’s Day even more pampering and special for your personal lifeline, get her out of the minivan and into a hot ride that doesn’t remind her of Motherhood in the least. Even more, let someone else do the driving, and rent a limo for the day to pick her up and bring her relaxed and re-energized body home so she can get back to her daily job as a pro bono doctor, chef, entertainer, housekeeper, chauffeur, teacher, event planner, and handywoman – and those are just her accomplishments before 9am!

Tips to Stay Connected While Traveling Abroad

Tech-Go Image

In today’s society, many people have a constant need to stay connected. Whether they are at home or on the road, most individuals keep a cell phone by their side. For most Americans, their phone, plan, and service fit their needs. At any given time and in any part of the country, they can make a call, send a text and perhaps browse the web. What happens, however, if a person plans on traveling abroad? Will their smartphone, tablet, or other device work and if so, what is the cost? For those individuals who have the luxury of exploring another country, here are a few tips to staying connected overseas.

Check with Your Carrier

A Wi-Fi enabled device allows any user to connect to the Web within a local Wi-Fi hotspot. However, a CDMA phone might not work in a country where GSM is the standard and vice versa. To avoid issues while you’re away, be sure to check with your service provider before you leave to determine whether your phone will work with the wireless networks wherever you’re headed.

Keep Costs in Check

Instead of calling (and paying extra for international connections) send a short text message instead. Some U.S. carriers count those messages as part of your monthly plan limit while others offer international messaging packages as an add-on service. If you travel abroad often, you might also want to look into adding an international calling plan to your existing service to take advantage of discounted rates.

Purchase a Prepaid SIM Card

If you have an “unlocked” mobile phone, consider purchasing a prepaid SIM card and installing it in your phone. This card allows some U.S. phones to access a carrier’s network abroad. Although you will no longer be tied to your mobile number back home in the States, you’ll still be able to take advantage of most of your phone’s capabilities. When you return home, simply remove the disposable SIM card from your phone and replace it with its original.

Go to the Net

Hotel ComputerAfraid of racking up a big bill on your phone? Use a computer in the hotel lobby or at an internet café to access Skype or Google Voice. Skype offers free person-to-person chats or unlimited calls to mobile and landline numbers over the internet for a small monthly fee. Google Voice also allows users to make calls at a penny per minute to U.S. numbers.

Rent-A-Phone

One final suggestion is to rent a mobile phone in advance online or pick one up once you arrive at your destination. These phones operate on local networks and may include additional connection and service fees so be sure to ask a lot of questions before you sign an agreement.

Tech-Go is the go-to source for mobile phone and other electronic equipment rentals. A nationwide provider, Tech-Go provides smartphones, wireless broadband cards, laptops, GPS devices, two-way radios, and audio-visual equipment at some of the lowest rates in the country. From Apple to Blackberry, Tech-Go carries the best brands on the market today.

For more information on Tech-Go or to view a list of their gadgets, hop on over to their website or browse their page on Rent It Today!