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What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshoot brake, steering, or optional powered transport engagement problems caused by caster position, mechanical interference, control issues, or power faults.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Ensure Patient Safety and Secure the Bed
Determine whether the brake or steering failure creates an immediate fall, transfer, or transport hazard.
Do not transport a patient using unreliable braking or steering equipment.
If the bed cannot remain stationary, remove the patient from the affected bed through an appropriate clinical transfer process.
Position the unoccupied bed on a level surface and prevent uncontrolled movement.
Expected outcome: The bed is safely secured for inspection and testing.
2. Confirm the Installed Transport Configuration
Verify whether the specific Secure II bed has standard mechanical brake/steer controls or an optional powered transport system.
Do not assume Zoom drive equipment is installed.
Ask staff whether the problem involves brake engagement, directional steering, or powered movement.
Expected outcome: The installed system and exact reported failure are identified.
3. Inspect Brake/Steer Pedals and Linkages
Inspect accessible pedals for damage, looseness, or restricted movement.
Check for debris, equipment cables, or objects interfering with pedal travel.
Operate the pedals without excessive force.
Observe whether the mechanism reaches its intended positions.
Expected outcome: Brake/steer controls move normally without external interference.
4. Inspect Casters and Floor Conditions
Examine accessible caster wheels for:
- Wrapped hair, string, or debris
- Visible damage
- Foreign objects
- Uneven contact with the floor
- Restricted swivel movement
Verify that the bed is on a suitable, level surface.
Expected outcome: Casters rotate and swivel normally without visible obstruction.
5. Verify Brake Engagement
With the bed unoccupied, apply the brakes.
Carefully check for unintended rolling without using excessive force.
Release the brakes and verify that the bed rolls freely.
If the brake now engages and releases correctly after removing an obstruction, proceed to final verification.
Expected outcome: The bed remains stationary with brakes applied and rolls normally when released.
6. Check Steering Engagement
Select the steering position using the designated control.
Move the unoccupied bed a short distance in a clear area.
Observe whether the steering mechanism maintains directional control.
Compare behavior with the neutral caster position.
Expected outcome: Steering engages and releases as intended.
7. Check Optional Zoom Drive Operation
If the bed is equipped with Zoom drive, verify the installed system's applicable power source, controls, and operating prerequisites.
Inspect accessible drive components for visible obstruction or damage.
Check whether any relevant status indicators or control lockouts identify an unavailable function.
Do not bypass drive interlocks or attempt internal motor repair.
Expected outcome: The installed powered transport system engages and responds normally under approved test conditions.
8. Perform Final Transport and Brake Verification
Test brake application, brake release, steering engagement, and normal rolling on a suitable surface.
If equipped, verify powered transport engagement and disengagement.
Check for unexpected movement, binding, or unusual noise.
If all installed functions operate reliably, troubleshooting can stop.
Expected outcome: The bed can be secured, steered, and transported safely.
If the Problem Persists
External obstructions, floor conditions, pedal operation, and applicable power or control issues have been checked.
Remaining causes may involve brake linkage, caster assemblies, steering mechanisms, powered drive components, or control electronics.
Remove the bed from service, label it Out of Service, and arrange qualified repair or bench evaluation using Stryker documentation and approved equipment.
Complete brake, steering, and applicable powered transport verification before return to service.
Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Verify brake engagement before patient transfers; a bed that rolls unexpectedly creates a serious fall hazard.
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 was difficult to steer and would not maintain directional tracking."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found debris restricting movement of an accessible caster."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Removed the debris and verified normal caster rotation, steering engagement, and brake operation."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Brake, steer, or Zoom function affected
- Installed transport configuration
- Pedal movement and condition
- Caster inspection findings
- Floor conditions
- Brake holding results
- Steering test results
- Powered drive indicators, if equipped
- Unusual noise or binding
- Final transport verification
Final Thought
Reliable brakes and steering are essential for patient safety. Start with pedals, casters, obstructions, and operating conditions before considering internal mechanisms. Escalate unresolved failures and document the final verification before returning the bed to clinical use.
That is successful troubleshooting.