A bed exit alarm is a critical tool for patient safety, especially for elderly individuals or those with mobility issues who are at high risk for falls. These devices, which detect when a patient moves or attempts to leave the bed, provide timely alerts to caregivers. However, there are times—such as when a patient is safely getting out of bed with assistance or when a false alarm occurs—that a caregiver needs to temporarily or completely turn off the system. The specific procedure for disabling an alarm depends heavily on the manufacturer and model. Always consult the user manual for your specific device. The following guide provides general steps and brand-specific examples to help you manage these systems effectively and safely.
Before You Turn It Off: The Safety First Checklist
Before you press a single button, a quick safety assessment is essential. A bed exit alarm is a safety feature, not just a noise, and deactivating it should be part of a planned care activity. Failing to re-engage the alarm can lead to patient injury. To prevent this, consider the following:
- Confirm the Patient's Intentions: Ensure the patient is safely exiting the bed with your direct assistance or is simply repositioning themselves, and that it isn't an unassisted, high-risk movement.
- Check the System's Status: Look for indicator lights on the control panel. Many systems have a light indicating the alarm is active or armed. Understand what the lights mean (e.g., solid green for armed, flashing yellow for a condition not met).
- Zero the Bed: On beds with integrated weight-based systems, the alarm may not set correctly if the bed was not properly "zeroed" or calibrated with the patient in it.
- Acknowledge and Reset: In many cases, if the patient returns to the pressure pad within a few seconds, the alarm will automatically reset. Otherwise, you will need to manually reset it.
Universal Steps to Silence a Bed Exit Alarm
Many bed exit alarm systems, whether for hospital beds or home care, follow a similar pattern for operation. The exact buttons may differ, but the sequence is often a variation of this process. These steps are a general guideline and should be adapted for your specific device.
Step 1: Locate the Control Panel
Find the alarm's control unit. For hospital beds, this is typically on the side rail or a separate caregiver panel at the foot of the bed. For simple standalone pad systems, the monitor is often placed on the headboard or a bedside table.
Step 2: Silence the Initial Alert
When the alarm sounds, your first priority is to silence the immediate alert to prevent patient distress and reduce noise. Look for a button labeled 'Reset,' 'Silence,' or 'Pause.'
- Press 'Reset': On many basic systems, a single press of the 'Reset' button will silence the alarm.
- Press and Hold: For some advanced systems, pressing and holding a designated button (often 'Enable' or 'Bed Exit') for three seconds will temporarily silence and disable the alarm.
Step 3: Temporarily Disable for Mobility
If you need to move the patient or have them safely get out of bed, you must disable the alarm completely to prevent it from re-activating. This process usually involves the system's main arming/disarming buttons.
- Deactivate Alerts: For some models, such as specific Hillrom beds, you can deactivate only the audible alerts while leaving the bed exit system active. This often involves pressing and holding a combination of controls.
- Press 'Enable' and 'Mode' Buttons: Some systems, like older Memorial Health models, require pressing an 'Enable' button followed by a 'Mode' button to turn the alarm off entirely.
Step 4: Re-engage the Alarm
Once the patient is back in bed and safely positioned, it is critical to re-arm the bed exit alarm. Never forget this step.
- Repeat the Arming Sequence: For many systems, the process to re-enable is the reverse of disabling. For example, on a Stryker bed, you would press the 'Arm/Disarm' button again.
- Look for Confirmation: After re-engaging, check the control panel for a confirmation beep or a solid indicator light that shows the system is armed.
Brand-Specific Instructions for Common Bed Alarms
| Feature | Hillrom Advanta™ 2 (Patient Controls) | Stryker Secure II™ (Caregiver Controls) | Val-U-Care Basic System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panel Location | Side rails, often with a lockout feature. | Caregiver side rail control panel. | Separate monitor unit, placed on headboard. |
| To Reset/Deactivate | Press the Enable control, then any mode control until the indicator turns off. |
Push the Arm/Disarm button. |
Press the Reset button on the front of the monitor. |
| Sensitivity Settings | Three modes: High (patient position), Moderate (bed exiting), Low (out of bed). | Multiple Zone settings to adjust sensitivity. |
Pad position determines sensitivity (e.g., shoulder blades vs. hips). |
| Temporary Silence | Not applicable; requires full deactivation. | Can be paused or turned off completely. | Can be silenced via the Reset button. |
| Troubleshooting Notes | Flashing yellow lights can indicate conditions not met (e.g., bed not low). | Bed must be properly "zeroed" at admission for correct operation. | Ensure the sensor pad is not creased, connection is secure, and batteries are good. |
Troubleshooting Common Bed Exit Alarm Issues
- Alarm not setting: If the system fails to arm, it may be because the patient is not centered on the bed, or the bed was not properly "zeroed" (especially with integrated weight scales). Try repositioning the patient and resetting the bed's zeroing function.
- False alarms: Unwanted alarms can be triggered by a creased pad, patient movement, or placing heavy items on the bed. Ensure the pad is smooth, the patient is centered, and adjust sensitivity if possible.
- Alarm fails to sound: Check all cables for secure connections. For wireless systems, verify the battery life of the pad's transmitter. A low battery is a common cause of failure.
- Persistent issues: If troubleshooting doesn't work, contact the equipment supplier or your facility's maintenance team. Do not attempt to fix faulty wiring or internal components.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety in Bed Exit Alarm Management
Safely managing a bed exit alarm is a critical responsibility for caregivers. While the process may seem straightforward, proper execution is essential to prevent patient injury. The fundamental approach involves identifying your specific system, understanding the correct deactivation and re-arming sequence, and always following safety protocols. The procedures vary significantly between manufacturers, from complex hospital beds with multiple settings to simple, pressure-activated home care pads. By carefully following the guidelines outlined here and consulting your equipment's manual, you can ensure that the bed exit alarm functions as a reliable safety net rather than a source of frustration. For advanced insights on patient monitoring technologies, consider exploring resources from organizations like the National Institutes of Health.
Remember to communicate your actions with other caregivers and always prioritize the patient's well-being. A bed exit alarm is a tool, and knowing how to use it correctly empowers you to provide safer, more attentive care.
