Safety tips – Amico Hydraulic Patient Transfer Stretcher (S-H-300) User Manual

Page 8

Brakes

WARNING:

Unless transporting the patient, always set the brakes when the stretcher is occupied. Reconfirm that the brakes are set

before any patient transfer. Failure to do so may result in injury or equipment damage. Patients often use the stretcher

for support when getting out of the stretcher and could be injured if the stretcher moves unexpectedly. After setting the

brakes, push and pull the stretcher to make sure it is stable.

Siderails/Restraints/Patient Monitoring

WARNING: Evaluate patients for entrapment risk according to facility protocol, and monitor patients appropriately. Make

sure that all siderails are fully latched when in the raised position. Failure to do either of these could result in serious

injury or death.

NOTE:

Siderails are intended to be a reminder to the patient of the stretcher’s edge, not a patient-restraining device. When

appropriate, Amico recommends that medical personnel determine the proper methods necessary to make sure a

patient remains safely in the stretcher.

Siderails may serve several beneficial uses including providing an edge reminder and stretcher exit assist. The uses of

siderails may also provide a sense of security. The use of siderails in any position should be appropriate for the patient’s

need, after assessing any risk factors according to the facility protocols for safe positioning.

When raising the siderails, a click indicates that the siderails are completely raised and locked in place. Once the click is

heard, gently pull on the siderail to make sure it is latched correctly in position.

WARNING:

Patient restraints are not intended as substitutes for good nursing practices. Physical restraints, even properly installed,

can result in entanglement, physical injury or death, particularly with agitated and disoriented patients. Monitor patients

when using physical restraints in accordance with legal requirements and facility protocols.

1. Develop guidelines for all patients, indicating:

• Which patients may need to be restrained and the appropriate restraint to utilize.
• The proper method to monitor a patient, whether restrained or not, including time interval, visual check of

restraint, etc.

2. Develop training programs for all caregivers concerning the proper use and application of restraints.

3. Clarify the need for restraint devices to families or guardians.

4. Set the stretcher at its lowest position whenever a caregiver is not in the room.

Safety Tips

For restraining devices, consult the restraint manufacturer to verify the correct application of each restraining device.

Parts and Accessories

Use only Amico parts and accessories. Modification of the stretcher shall be at the customer’s risk and liability.

Operating Stretcher/Surface Precautions

WARNING:

Do not operate the stretcher in the presence of flammable gas or vapors. Doing so could result in personal injury or

equipment damage.

WARNING:

Only use oxygen administering equipment of the nasal, mask or ventilator type, or oxygen tents that can be contained

within the perimeter of the siderails in the stretcher. Failure to do so could result in personal injury or equipment

damage.

WARNING:

Operate the stretcher within the stated environmental conditions, see “Specifications” on page 3. Failure to do so could

result in patient injury or equipment damage.

Transport

CAUTION:

Before moving the stretcher, make sure that power cords, hoses and other equipment are properly stored. Failure to do

so could result in equipment damage.

CAUTION:

Do not push or pull the stretcher by IV poles, siderails or other equipment. Use the push handles located at the head or

foot of the stretcher.

Use only the transport handles (if installed) to move the stretcher. Failure to do so could result in equipment damage.

Make sure the patient, equipment, and all lines are securely placed within the perimeter of the stretcher for intra-hospital

transport. Patients should only be transported with the foot end of the stretcher facing forward.

Fully extended IV poles could impact doorways or ceiling fixtures. IV Poles should be lowered prior to patient transport.

Sleep Surface/Mattress

WARNING:

Sleep surface impermeability could be affected by needle sticks. Caregivers should be instructed to avoid punctures

caused by improper use of x-ray cassette holders and/or needle sticks. Failure to do so could result in cross-infection and

patient injury.

Safety Tips

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