Posey KeepSafe Essential User manual

KeepSafe® Essential
8373, 8373NP
Instruction Manual
Before using the Posey KeepSafe Essential, read this entire
manual and save for future reference.
The Posey KeepSafe Essential
is an important part of your
falls management protocols.
Ensure all parts of this
system are operational
before leaving a
patient/resident
unattended.


Contents
Before You Begin ........................................................................... 3-4
Features ..........................................................................................5-7
Contents.............................................................................................8
Options ...............................................................................................9
Preparing the KeepSafe Essential for Use .....................................10-11
Storing Your KeepSafe Essential...................................................12-13
Setting Alarm Mode ..........................................................................14
Setting Alarm Tone ...........................................................................15
Adjusting Alarm Volume .................................................................... 16
The SUSPEND Button ....................................................................... 17
Connecting to AC Power (Optional) ...................................................18
Mounting the KeepSafe Essential ................................................ 19-26
Monitoring in Cord and Magnet Mode ..........................................27-28
Connecting Magnet Cord to Patient/Resident ..............................29-30
Patients/Residents with Pacemakers or Defibrillators ........................30
The KeepSafe Essential and Use of Physical Restraints ....................31
Warnings and Cautions ............................................................... 32-34
Alarm Cleaning and Storage..............................................................35
Battery Maintenance.........................................................................36
Troubleshooting Guide.......................................................................37
Product Specifications.......................................................................38
Limited Lifetime Warranty .................................................................39
Repair Service...................................................................................39
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KeepSafe Essential 3
Before You Begin
The Posey KeepSafe Essential is an easy to use, restraint free addition
to your falls management program. The KeepSafe Essential provides an
early warning when a patient/resident attempts to rise from a bed, chair
or toilet. This system does not prevent falls or injury from falls and is not
a substitute for patient/resident care, rounding and a comprehensive
falls management protocol in your facility.
The KeepSafe Essential consists of an alarm with an adjustable cord
and magnet and activates as the patient/resident attempts to rise and
disconnects the magnet.
Indications for Use
Persons who may benefit from the use of the Posey KeepSafe
Essential include:
• Patients/residents with diminished cognitive or mobility skills. For
example, the frail, disabled, or those with neurologic deficits.
• Patients/residents receiving medications that may cause disorientation,
drowsiness, dizziness, or frequent urination.
• Patients/residents (new or existing) with a history of falls, or who
are assessed to be at risk of falling based on your selected fall-risk
assessment.
• Patients/residents who are restless or prone to get up in the middle of
the night, e.g., due to incontinence, or with nighttime voiding habits.
• Patients/residents who require mandatory bed rest.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Contraindications
NOTE: The KeepSafe Essential may not be suitable for all high fall-
risk patients/residents. See Posey catalog for other options for such
patients/residents.
The KeepSafe Essential should NEVER be used as the only means of
surveillance for:
• Agitated, combative or suicidal patients/residents.
• Patients/residents at extreme risk of a life-threatening fall (ex.
patients/residents with bone injuries or previous hip fractures).
For these patients/residents, Posey recommends use of the KeepSafe
Essential along with a more intensive falls management measure. See
Posey catalog for options such as floor mats, and/or hip protectors
among other fall management products.
Response Policy
Make sure your facility has a clearly defined policy for response to falls
management and fall alarms. This may include contacting the patient/
resident over the nurse call intercom system and telling them to return
to their bed or chair and waiting for assistance, and/or sending staff
immediately to the patient’s/resident’s location for assistance. Be sure to
place a flag or notification device on the patient’s/resident’s door, in their
room, and next to the respective patient’s/resident’s room light at the
nurse’s station to identify high fall-risk patients/residents and alert staff
to respond quickly to fall alarm situations.
Facility falls management policy should address the frequency of visits
by nursing staff to:
• Confirm patient/resident is safe.
• Attend to patient/resident needs for nutrition, toileting, exercise,
and therapy.
• Check alarm function every time before leaving patient/resident
unattended.
If the alarm does not function properly, remove the alarm from service
and replace it with a properly functioning alarm. DO NOT use the
alarm or magnet if it does not activate each time magnet is removed
from face plate.

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KeepSafe Essential 5
S
U
S
PEND
LED
INDICATOR
SUSPEND
FRONT VIEW
Features of the KeepSafe Essential
FEATUR ES
MAGNET
PLATE

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9VDC
ON/OFF SWITCH
(WITH NP VERSION,
NO ON/OFF SWITCH)
VOLUME
TONE
MODE
BATTERY
COMPARTMENT
Voice
&
Tone
VoiceTone
VolumeTo ne
Qty 4AAA Alkaline Qty 4AAA Alkaline
SUSPEND
LEFT SIDE VIEW
REAR VIEW (Open Battery Door)
AC POWER
ADAPTER INPUT
FEATUR ES

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KeepSafe Essential 7
Features of the KeepSafe Essential (Cont.)
• Five alarm tones. There are five different alarm tone options
which can be used in different patient/resident rooms, or to discern
between different caregivers or levels of fall risk for easy patient/
resident identification.
• Three alarm modes. Three alarm modes allow for facility or alarm
choices regarding caregiver notification in the event the alarm is
triggered. The alarm modes are “Voice and Tone,” “Tone Only” and
“Voice Only.”
• High and low volume settings. Two alarm volume settings allow
for facility or alarm choices regarding caregiver notification in the
event the alarm is triggered. The volume options are low and high.
• SUSPEND button. Silences the alarm until the magnet is replaced
on the magnet plate. Alarm will resume monitoring when you place
the magnet back on the face plate.
• Cord and magnet monitoring. Alarm activates when magnet is
removed. Magnet pull cord adjusts to range of mobility and “safety
zone” best suited for each patient/resident.
• Battery operated. The alarm uses four (4) “AAA” alkaline batteries.
• Audible low battery warning. Alarm “chirps” about every 15
seconds when batteries need changing. This sound is different than
any of the alarm tones and easily alerts caregivers of the need to
change batteries.
• DC jack. For AC connection.
• AC adapter. The KeepSafe Essential 8373AC enables users to
operate on AC electrical power. (To obtain the AC adapter with the
8373 alarm, order the 8373AC).
• Impact resistant cover. Helps minimize damage if dropped.
NOTE: Cat. 8373NP (No Power Model) does NOT have an ON/OFF
switch. This is to prevent patients/residents or caregivers from turning off
the alarm. The only way to turn off this model is to remove the batteries.
FEATUR ES

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NOTE: If you require the ability to run on AC power, order 8373AC
or 8373NPAC
Each KeepSafe Essential is shipped to you with:
• Alarm (1)
• Magnet with adjustable length cord and locking clip (1)
• “AAA” Alkaline Batteries (4)
CONTENTS

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KeepSafe Essential 9
OPTIONS
Customer may order the following bracket systems:
8208G GCX Alarm Mounting
Bracket Assembly –
vertical wall mounts
8269 Attachment Bracket
with BioThane®strap –
bed and wheelchair mounting
8278N Narrow Saddle
Bracket – wheelchair mounting
8208 Wall Bracket –
wall mounting
8288 Alarm Bracket –
IV pole
8289 Wheelchair
Bracket – mounting on
back of wheelchair
8276 Wire Bracket –
headboard or footboard bed
mounting, or chair mounting
8208H Modular Services
Alarm Mounting Bracket –
horizontal wall mounts
8208CS Command™Strip*
Alarm Mounting System –
wall mounting
*3M and Command™ are the worldwide trademarks or registered trademarks of 3M.

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Preparing the KeepSafe Essential for Use
Battery Installation:
The battery-operated KeepSafe Essential is portable and long lasting.
Fresh alkaline batteries have an estimated life of 30 days of daily use.
Actual life depends on alarm mode, tone and volume you select.
Alarm will “chirp” about every 15 sec-
onds when new batteries are needed.
Change batteries at once.
1. If your alarm does NOT have an ON/
OFF switch (Cat. 8373NP), connect a
magnet before inserting the batteries.
If your alarm DOES have an ON/
OFF switch (Cat. 8373), slide the
power switch to the OFF position before
inserting/changing batteries.
2. Press down on the arrow and slide
the battery compartment door
completely off (Fig. 1). Set battery
door aside.
3. Drape the red ribbon across the
battery compartment and insert four
(4) new “AAA” batteries as pictured
inside the battery compartment
(Fig. 2). Take care not to damage
battery contacts. Batteries should be
inserted on top of red ribbon and the
loose end of the ribbon should stick
out the other end for easy battery
removal (Fig. 3).
4. Lay the loose end of the red ribbon
on top of the batteries and reattach
the battery compartment door. Slide it
shut, locking it into place.
Fig. 2
Fig. 1
Fig. 3
PREPARING

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KeepSafe Essential 11
Preparing the KeepSafe Essential for Use (Cont.)
• Take care when installing new batteries. The alarm will not
work if batteries are installed improperly.
• ALWAYS install a completely new set of batteries when the
chirping due to low battery power sound begins. DO NOT
replace a single cell, but all cells in the alarm. DO NOT mix old
and new batteries, or battery brands within a battery pack
(4 batteries). Use of mixed batteries or batteries installed
incorrectly may cause battery damage, and may damage
the alarm. Remove any alarm from use and send to the
appropriate facility authority if batteries are damaged or
corroded or the battery compartment has signs of previous
battery corrosion such as white powder residue.
• Batteries can explode or leak and cause damage to alarm if
installed incorrectly, fully discharged, or exposed to liquid, fire
or high temperatures. If battery damage has occurred, or you
see any corrosion, remove the alarm from use IMMEDIATELY.
DO NOT use the alarm if battery damage has been detected.
• After changing batteries, test the alarm and magnet for
proper operation prior to putting in service with a patient/
resident, and each time before leaving the patient/resident
unattended. If the alarm and/or magnet do not function
properly, remove the alarm and magnet from service and
replace them with a properly functioning alarm.
PREPARING

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STORING
Storing Your KeepSafe Essential
If you are storing the KeepSafe Essential for an extended period of time,
you should turn the alarm off and remove the batteries. Batteries start to
corrode after an extended period of time (just like a flashlight). Corroded
batteries will damage the alarm and may cause it not to function, or to
function intermittently.
ALWAYS close the battery door during storage to
prevent damage.
Store the alarm in a secure place so it will not be dropped or
damaged. DO NOT use if; battery door is missing; battery door is
damaged; alarm case is damaged; or alarm case is cracked.
Battery Leakage. If there is ANY evidence of
battery leakage, remove the alarm from use and notify the
appropriate facility authority. The alarm should be disposed of
according to your facility disposal requirements. DO NOT use the
alarm and DO NOT attempt to clean it if there are any signs of
battery leakage such as corrosion, rust or white powder residue.

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KeepSafe Essential 13
STORING
Storing Your KeepSafe Essential (Cont.)
DO NOT allow batteries to deplete while in the
alarm. Change batteries immediately when hearing the low
battery “chirp.” Depleted batteries may leak and corrode, causing
damage to the electronics and reliability. When storing the alarm
with power “on”, check the alarm every week to make sure the
batteries are still operable and the alarm is still on. If the alarm
low battery alert is chirping, or the alarm does not power up,
the batteries are depleted and must be removed. DO NOT leave
depleted (“dead”) batteries in the alarm to avoid corrosion.
Remove batteries when storing the alarm for an extended period
to prevent depleting the batteries and potential corrosion.
The Posey KeepSafe Essential is an electronic
device. It may fail to work if subjected to severe shock, such
as being dropped, or immersed in liquid. To reduce the risk of
serious injury or death, test the alarm for proper operation prior
to putting in service with a patient/resident, and each time
before leaving the patient/resident unattended. If the alarm
does not function properly, remove the alarm from service and
replace it with a properly functioning alarm. DO NOT use the
alarm or magnet if it does not activate each time magnet is
removed from face plate.

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To Change/Select Mode:
1. Ensure alarm is on and magnet is on
face plate.
2. Remove the battery compartment door
by sliding down to gain access to the
programming buttons.
3. Slide the MODE Select Switch to the
desired alarm mode (Fig. 4).
The last option selected is the mode
utilized when the magnet is removed
from the face plate.
4. Replace the battery door and slide shut, locking into place.
NOTE: Cat. 8373NP does NOT have an ON/OFF switch. To set Alarm
Mode for Cat. 8373NP, follow all steps above except step 1.
THE PRE-RECORDED VOICE MESSAGE IS:
“Please don’t get up. Sit back down and use the call button to call for help.”
Fig. 4
Tone Volume
Voice
&
Tone
VoiceTone
Qty 4AAA Alkaline
ANSI-24A IEC-LR03
Setting Alarm Mode
The KeepSafe Essential has three (3) alarm modes. These allow you to
select an alarm signal best suited to patient/resident and facility needs.
SETTING MODE
Mode Features
VOICE &
TONE
Pre-recorded voice message plays once, followed by
the selected alarm tone. The tone continues to play
until alarm is placed on suspend or patient/resident is
repositioned with the magnet on the faceplate.
TONE Selected alarm tone plays until alarm is placed on
suspend or patient/resident is repositioned with the
magnet on the faceplate.
VOICE
ONLY
Pre-recorded voice message plays until alarm is placed
on suspend or patient/resident is repositioned with the
magnet on the faceplate.

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KeepSafe Essential 15
SETTING TONE
Setting Alarm Tone
The KeepSafe Essential has five (5) available tones. This allows you to
differentiate between patients/residents and other equipment alarms.
To Select Tone:
1. Ensure alarm is on and magnet is on
face plate.
2. Remove the battery compartment door
by sliding down to gain access to the
programming buttons.
3. Press TONE button (Fig. 5) to scroll
through the tone selections.
4. Alarm mode must be set to either
“Voice and Tone” or “Tone” in order to
hear the selection.
5. Each time you press the button, tone will change and a two (2)
second sample plays. The last sample heard is the tone utilized
for the alarm when the magnet is removed from the face plate,
depending on which monitoring mode is selected.
6. Replace the battery door and slide shut, locking into place.
NOTE: Cat. 8373NP does NOT have an ON/OFF switch. To set Alarm
Tone for Cat. 8373NP, follow all steps above except step 1.
Tone Volume
Voice
&
Tone
VoiceTone
Qty 4AAA Alkaline
ANSI-24A IEC-LR03
ty
4A
AA
Fig. 5

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Adjusting Alarm Volume
There are two (2) alarm volume settings: low and high. These allow you
to select the right volume for facility and/or patient/resident needs.
All volume settings are within OSHA standards. For maximum staff alert
in noisy areas, use HIGHEST (loudest) volume setting.
ALWAYS check to ensure staff can hear alarm at
the furthest possible distance before leaving patient/resident
unattended.
NEVER place alarm closer than two feet from
patient’s/resident’s ear. Doing so may cause hearing loss or
other injury. For more information, see: OSHA OCCUPATIONAL
NOISE EXPOSURE STANDARDS 1910.95.
To Change Volume:
1. Ensure alarm is on and magnet is on
face plate.
2. Remove the battery compartment door
by sliding down to gain access to the
programming buttons.
3. Press VOLUME button (Fig. 6) to scroll
through both the volume selections.
4. Alarm mode must be set to either
“Voice and Tone” or “Tone” in order to
hear the selection.
5. Each time you press the button, the volume changes and a two (2)
second sample plays.
6. Continue to press the VOLUME button until you hear the desired
volume. The last sample heard is the volume in use.
7. Replace the battery door and slide shut, locking into place.
NOTE: Cat. 8373NP does not have an ON/OFF switch. To set Alarm
Volume for Cat. 8373NP, follow all steps above except step 1.
Fig. 6
Tone Volume
Voice
&
Tone
VoiceTone
Qty 4AAA Alkaline
ANSI-24A IEC-LR03
ADJUSTING VOLUME

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KeepSafe Essential 17
The SUSPEND Button
The SUSPEND feature silences the
alarm until the magnet is replaced on
the magnet plate.
To Place the Alarm on SUSPEND:
1. With the magnet disconnected from
the front of the alarm (as in an
unauthorized patient/resident exit),
press the SUSPEND button on the
top of the alarm (Fig. 7) until the
monitoring indicator LED flashes RED
(Fig. 7a).
2. As soon as the magnet is reattached
to the front of the alarm, the alarm
automatically reverts back to monitor
mode. You will hear a “beep,”
indicating the alarm is activated and
monitoring. The monitoring indicator
LED light will be flashing green, indicating the alarm is in monitoring
mode.
3. To take the alarm out of SUSPEND, reattach the magnet.
Test the alarm and magnet for proper operation
prior to putting in service with a patient/resident, and each
time before leaving the patient/resident unattended. If the
alarm and/or magnet do not function properly, remove the
alarm and magnet from service and replace them with a
properly functioning alarm and/or magnet. Ensure the LED,
indicating monitoring, is blinking green.
Fig. 7
SUSPEND Button
Indicator LED
Fig. 7a
THE SUSPEND BUTTON

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Connecting to AC Power (Optional)
The Posey KeepSafe Essential is equipped with a DC jack to allow you
to use AC power to operate the alarm. When the 8373AC or 8373NPAC
is ordered, it includes an AC power adapter. To obtain a replacement
power adapter, order Cat. RP8383. To ensure proper alarm function and
to prevent damage to the alarm, only use the AC power adapter supplied
by Posey.
To Connect to AC Power:
1. Connect the AC power adapter to the
KeepSafe Essential (Fig. 8).
2. Plug the other end into the wall.
Only use the Posey
AC power adapter to power your
alarm. Using an adapter other than
the Posey adapter may damage the
alarm and void the warranty.
If power is interrupted, the alarm
will not function. There is no alarm
at bedside.
Fig. 8
9VDC
AC POWER
ADAPTER
RECEPTACLE
CONNECTING TO AC POWER

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KeepSafe Essential 19
Mounting the KeepSafe Essential
There are multiple mounting options to choose from for the
KeepSafe Essential:
• 8208 Wall Bracket (for wall mounting)
• 8269 Alarm Attachment Bracket with BioThane®Strap (for bed,
wheelchair, stretcher, and commode mounting)
• 8208CS Command™Strip Alarm Mounting System (for wall
mounting)
• 8276 Wire Bracket (for headboard or footboard bed mounting, or
chair mounting)
• 8278N Narrow Saddle Bracket (for wheelchair mounting)
• 8208G GCX Alarm Mounting Bracket Assembly (for vertical wall
mounts)
• 8208H Modular Services Alarm Mounting Bracket (for horizontal wall
mounts)
• 8288 Alarm Bracket (for IV pole mounts )
• 8289 Wheelchair bracket (for mounting on back of wheelchair)
If you plan to use the KeepSafe Essential for stretcher sensor monitoring
or commode sensor monitoring, please refer to the Instruction Sheets for
these products, 8316 and 8333.
MOUNTING

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Mounting the KeepSafe Essential (Continued)
To purchase additional brackets contact your Posey sales representative,
or call Posey Customer Service at 1.800.447.6739.
PRIOR TO USING ANY BRACKET, YOU SHOULD
CHECK THAT:
• Alarm is securely mounted out of the patient’s/resident’s reach and
functions properly by activating alarm.
• Alarm indicator lights are in clear view of staff.
MOUNTING