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What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshoot optional bed-exit monitoring problems caused by unstable bed position, incorrect alarm setup, external loading, or interface faults.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Establish Patient Safety and Alternate Fall Protection
Determine whether the patient requires active bed-exit monitoring.
Do not rely on an alarm that fails to arm or generates unreliable alerts.
Notify nursing and establish an appropriate alternate fall-prevention method before troubleshooting.
Perform technical testing with the bed unoccupied using an approved simulation or test procedure.
Expected outcome: Patient fall-prevention needs remain addressed while the bed-exit system is evaluated.
2. Confirm the Installed Bed-Exit System
Verify whether the specific Secure II configuration includes bed-exit monitoring.
Identify the available alarm modes and local or remote signaling features.
Do not assume that all beds have identical alarm capabilities.
Expected outcome: The installed monitoring functions are identified.
3. Confirm the Alarm Complaint
Determine whether the system:
- Will not arm
- Arms and immediately alarms
- Produces false alarms
- Fails to detect a simulated exit
- Activates locally but not remotely
Record displayed messages, indicators, and alarm behavior.
Expected outcome: The failure is clearly characterized.
4. Verify Power and Bed Stability
Check normal AC power and applicable system indicators.
Confirm that the bed is stationary with brakes applied.
Inspect for movement, unstable caster contact, or objects contacting the frame.
Expected outcome: Power and bed stability are suitable for alarm testing.
5. Inspect External Loading Conditions
Check for equipment, cables, or accessories applying unintended force to the bed.
Look for objects resting against the frame or deck.
Verify that installed mattress and accessory arrangements are compatible with the monitoring system.
Expected outcome: External conditions do not interfere with bed-exit detection.
6. Verify Alarm Settings and Arming Conditions
Inspect user-accessible alarm settings and the selected monitoring mode.
Follow the applicable arming prerequisites for the installed system.
Confirm that the intended test setup meets those prerequisites.
Do not bypass patient-presence requirements or modify restricted settings.
Expected outcome: The system accepts the correct arming conditions.
7. Test Local Alarm Operation
Use the approved manufacturer test method to simulate the required monitoring condition.
Verify alarm activation, audible indication, visual indication, and reset behavior.
Do not use a patient as a test load.
Expected outcome: The bed-exit system detects the test condition and responds correctly.
8. Verify Remote Alarm Communication
If connected to nurse call or another remote system, inspect the approved external interface connection.
Verify that the alarm reaches the intended receiving location.
If the local alarm works but the remote indication fails, coordinate further testing with the facility communication team.
Expected outcome: Local and remote alarm functions operate as intended.
9. Complete Final Functional Verification
Repeat the applicable arming, detection, alarm, and reset tests.
Confirm that the system remains armed under stable test conditions and responds to the approved simulated exit condition.
If all required checks pass, troubleshooting can stop.
Expected outcome: Bed-exit monitoring operates reliably within the installed system's intended capabilities.
If the Problem Persists
Power, bed stability, external loading, settings, and interface connections have been checked.
Remaining causes may involve load-sensing components, alarm electronics, internal connections, or facility communication infrastructure.
Remove the bed from service, label it Out of Service, and arrange qualified repair or bench evaluation using Stryker documentation and approved test equipment.
Verify the complete alarm path before return to service.
Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
A local bed-exit alarm does not guarantee that nursing staff receive a remote notification; test both paths when remote signaling is required.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Nursing reported that the Secure II bed-exit alarm repeatedly activated without patient movement."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found a tightly routed equipment cable applying intermittent force to the bed frame."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Repositioned the cable and verified stable arming, correct simulated bed-exit detection, and normal alarm reset."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Installed bed-exit configuration
- Selected alarm mode
- Arming status
- Alarm messages
- Bed position and brake status
- External loading conditions
- Local audible and visual alarm behavior
- Remote alarm response
- Simulated exit test results
- Final monitoring status
Final Thought
Bed-exit alarms are safety systems that require dependable detection and notification. Check stability, external loading, settings, and connections before assuming internal failure. Escalate unresolved problems and document the complete functional test.
That is successful troubleshooting.