If you or a loved one is in a wheelchair, always have a spare tire on hand and a few tools to help you replace it, since you can't always count on being near a medical equipment store when you need to be. Lacking this option, find a nearby bicycle repair shop that will repair a tire for you while you wait.

If you've got to deal with medical equipment on a regular basis, carry a few tools along with you so you can make small repairs as necessary. Allen wrenches are particular useful, since most braces, walkers, and wheelchairs are keyed to them.

Maintain a log of correspondence with your medical equipment vendor, and keep all your receipts, estimates, and all other paperwork. This information will be invaluable in the event that your medical equipment is not delivered when you need it.