On this page
Asset Type
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshoot unresponsive siderail controls, patient pendant functions, or lockouts caused by power, connections, damaged controls, or incorrect settings.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect the Patient and Maintain Safe Positioning
Confirm that the patient can be positioned safely without relying on the affected controls.
- Arrange alternate staff assistance or an appropriate replacement bed.
- Maintain the bed at a safe height.
- Confirm that the brakes are engaged.
- Do not allow a patient to rely on an unresponsive pendant for required positioning.
- Verify that siderails are mechanically secured.
Expected outcome: Patient positioning and fall-prevention needs are maintained while the controls are evaluated.
2. Confirm the Exact Control Failure
Determine which controls are affected.
- Identify whether the failure involves a siderail panel, patient pendant, or lockout.
- Determine whether one button or multiple functions are unresponsive.
- Ask whether the issue began suddenly or intermittently.
- Record any displayed messages or indicators.
- Determine whether the problem occurs from all control locations.
Expected outcome: The affected control location and function are identified.
3. Verify Electrical Power
Check the bed's external power condition.
- Confirm AC power availability.
- Inspect the power cord and plug.
- Check power and battery indicators.
- Verify whether other powered bed functions respond.
- Record any evidence of intermittent power.
Expected outcome: The bed has stable power and unaffected functions operate normally.
4. Inspect the Patient Pendant and Cable
If equipped with the affected pendant:
- Inspect the pendant housing for cracks or damage.
- Examine the cable for cuts, pinching, or strain.
- Check the accessible connector for proper seating.
- Look for contamination or liquid exposure.
- Verify that the cable is not trapped by bed movement.
Do not open sealed control assemblies.
Expected outcome: The pendant and external connection are intact and properly seated.
5. Inspect Siderail Control Panels
Examine the affected siderail controls.
- Check for visibly damaged or sticking buttons.
- Look for fluid contamination.
- Confirm that the siderail is correctly positioned and latched.
- Inspect accessible cable routing without removing protective covers.
- Compare response with another control location.
Expected outcome: The control panel is physically intact and responds consistently.
6. Verify Lockout Status
Check the applicable lockout controls.
- Identify which functions are intentionally restricted.
- Confirm the lockout indicators correspond to the selected state.
- Test authorized enabling and disabling of the lockout.
- Verify whether the affected function responds after the permitted change.
- Do not bypass a malfunctioning lockout.
Expected outcome: Lockouts function correctly and only the intended controls are disabled.
7. Compare Available Control Locations
With the bed unoccupied:
- Test the affected function from each applicable control location.
- Compare siderail and pendant response.
- Observe whether the failure follows one external control.
- Use a compatible known-good external accessory only when approved by the manufacturer and facility.
- Record whether the failure is isolated or system-wide.
Expected outcome: The problem is isolated to an external control or the bed control system.
8. Verify Control and Lockout Operation
After correcting an external issue:
- Test all previously affected buttons.
- Confirm normal movement.
- Verify lockout engagement and release.
- Check for intermittent response.
- Confirm that controls stop movement when released.
- Complete applicable manufacturer safety testing.
Expected outcome: Controls and lockouts operate consistently and safely.
Troubleshooting can stop when all affected functions pass.
If the Problem Persists
If power, external connections, control condition, siderail positioning, and lockouts have been checked, common external causes have been ruled out.
Possible service-level causes include a control assembly, wiring, communication between control locations, or the bed control system.
The bed should be:
- Removed from service and labeled Out of Service.
- Sent for qualified repair or bench evaluation.
- Evaluated using Hillrom documentation and approved test equipment.
- Repaired or configured only by qualified personnel.
- Returned to service after successful control, lockout, and movement verification.
An unreliable lockout function must be treated as a safety concern.
Clinical Use Tip
Verify that caregiver lockouts prevent unintended patient operation while still allowing the functions required for safe clinical care.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Nursing reported that the Compella patient pendant would not operate the head section."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found the pendant connector partially disengaged from its accessible connection point."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Secured the connector and verified head movement, pendant response, and normal lockout operation."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Failed control location
- Specific buttons affected
- Pendant cable condition
- Connector seating
- Siderail latch condition
- Lockout status
- Power indicators
- Other control locations tested
- Known-good accessory results
- Final equipment status
Final Thought
Reliable patient and caregiver controls are essential for safe bed positioning. Check power, connections, physical control condition, and lockouts before assuming internal failure. Escalate unresolved faults and document the completed functional verification.
That is successful troubleshooting.