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Safety Information
Patient Entrance / Exit – Caregiver should always aid patient in exiting the bed. Make sure a
capable patient knows how to get out of bed safely (and, if necessary, how to release the side rails)
in case of fire or other emergency.
Brakes – Caster brakes should always be locked once the bed is in position. Verify wheels are locked
before any patient transfer to or from the bed.
Bed Height – To minimize risk of falls or injury, the bed should always be in the lowest practical
position when the patient is unattended.
Bed Frame – Always use a standard healthcare bed frame with this mattress, with any safeguards
or protocols that may be appropriate. Bed frame and side rails (if used) must be properly sized
relative to the mattress to help minimize any gaps that might entrap a patient's head or body. It is
recommended that bed and side rails (if used) comply with all applicable regulations and protocols.
CPR - Level the bed. Lower side rails and initiate CPR per facility protocols. Consider use of backboard
if indicated. After CPR remove backboard, if used, raise siderails and reconfigure bed and accessories
as in initial placement.
Head of Bed Elevation – Keep head of bed as low as possible to help prevent patient migration.
Side Rails / Patient Restraints - Whether and how to use side rails or restraints is a decision that
should be based on each patient’s needs and should be made by the patient and the patient’s
family, physician and caregivers, with facility protocols in mind. Caregivers should assess risks and
benefits of side rail / restraint use (including entrapment and patient falls from bed) in conjunction
with individual patient needs, and should discuss use or non-use with patient and / or family.
Consider not only the clinical and other needs of the patient but also the risks of fatal or serious
injury from falling out of bed and from patient entrapment in or around the side rails, restraints or
other accessories. In the US, for a description of entrapment hazards, vulnerable patient profile and
guidance to further reduce entrapment risks, refer to FDA’s Hospital Bed System Dimensional and
Assessment Guidance To Reduce Entrapment. Outside the US, consult the local Competent Authority
or Government Agency for Medical Device Safety for specific local guidance. Consult a caregiver and
carefully consider the use of bolsters, positioning aids or floor pads, especially with confused, restless
or agitated patients. It is recommended that side rails (if used) be locked in the full upright position
when the patient is unattended. Make sure a capable patient knows how to get out of bed safely
(and, if necessary, how to release the side rails) in case of fire or other emergency. Monitor patients
frequently to guard against patient entrapment.
CAUTION: When selecting a standard mattress, ensure the distance between
top of side rails (if used) and top of mattress (without compression)
is at least 8.66 in (220 mm) to help prevent inadvertent bed exit or falls.
Consider individual patient size, position (relative to the top of the side
rail) and patient condition in assessing fall risk.
I.V. and Drainage Tubes – I.V. and drainage tubes should always have slack for alternating pressure
or rotation and other patient movements.
Skin Care – Monitor skin conditions regularly and consider adjunct or alternative therapies for high
acuity patients. Give extra attention to any possible pressure points and locations where moisture or
incontinence may occur or collect. Early intervention may be essential to preventing skin breakdown.
No Smoking in Bed – Smoking in bed can be dangerous. To avoid the risk of fire, smoking in bed
should never be allowed.
General Protocols – Follow all applicable safety rules and institution protocols concerning patient
and caregiver safety.