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What This Guide Helps With
This guide addresses situations where the ProCuity bed:
- Triggers bed exit alarms even when the patient remains safely in bed
- Shows repeated or intermittent false alarm events
- Causes unnecessary staff interventions or alarm fatigue
Focus is on external, easily verifiable checks first, including sensor pads, bed positioning, and electrical connections, before assuming internal electronics failure.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Check Bed Occupancy Sensor Placement
- Ensure the sensor pad or mattress-integrated sensor is correctly positioned under the patient.
- Misaligned or bunched sensors can falsely detect a patient has exited the bed.
Inspect Sensor Pad for Damage or Wear
- Look for cracks, tears, frayed wires, or moisture intrusion.
- A damaged pad may intermittently trigger alarms.
Verify Bed Frame and Mattress Alignment
- Confirm mattress sits evenly on the bed frame without gaps that could interfere with the sensor.
- Check side rails are fully locked, as improper rail position can affect sensor readings.
Check Electrical Connections
- Ensure the sensor cable is firmly connected to the bed controller.
- Look for bent pins or loose connectors.
Test with a Known Good Sensor (if available)
- Swap the pad with a working one from a similar bed to see if the false alarms persist.
- If the issue resolves, the original pad is likely faulty.
Inspect Bed Controller and Firmware
- Check for visible signs of damage or corrosion on the controller.
- Confirm the controller firmware is current per Stryker recommendations.
Reproduce Alarm Conditions Safely
- With the bed unoccupied, observe if alarms trigger.
- If false alarms occur without a patient, suspect the sensor or controller.
If the Problem Persists
All external checks have been completed without resolution.
- The bed should be removed from service
- Labeled Out of Service
- Sent for repair or bench evaluation
Knowing when to escalate prevents unnecessary risk to patients and staff.
Clinical Use Tip
- Never troubleshoot the bed while a patient is in it.
- Temporarily move the patient to another bed if testing requires activating alarms or manipulating sensors.
- False alarms can contribute to alarm fatigue—address promptly to maintain patient safety.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
Bed exit alarm triggers repeatedly without patient leaving bed.
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
Sensor pad misaligned and/or cable connection intermittent.
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
Checked pad placement, inspected connections, tested with known good pad. Issue persists → bed labeled Out of Service and sent for repair.
Helpful Details to Include
- Sensor pad serial number
- Cable inspection results
- Bed controller model and firmware version
- Alarm pattern (intermittent or constant)
- Final bed status (Out of Service or returned to service after replacement)
Final Thought
Systematic, logic-based troubleshooting minimizes patient risk and prevents unnecessary interventions. Proper documentation and knowing when to escalate ensures safety and maintains bed functionality for future use.
That is successful troubleshooting.