*********************************************
INFRA-RED HIGH DEPENDENCY BED OCCUPANCY MONITOR
PROBLEM
Often with many patients getting out of their hospital bed can be a risky exercise. For example an elderly person who has just had an operation such as a hip replacement would find mobility very difficult. It is imperative that nursing staff or carers are made aware should the patient try to get up to get out off their bed.
These patients who get out of bed unaided can fall and injure themselves. The consequences of these falls can be dire.
HOW THE ALARM WORKS TO OVERCOME THE PROBLEM.
DCT ASSOCIATES PTY LTD have developed an Infra Red Bed Monitor which detects the moment a patient sits up in bed and puts their legs over the side of the bed. This alarm activates before the person has lifted their body off the bed.
Two systems have been developed. One suitable for a home environment, the other is suitable for a hospital or nursing home environment. The home use system is most suitable where the person being monitored interferes with their bed by pulling it apart.
Home Use System
The alarm consists of two infra red sensors that are placed at the back of the bed against a wall just off the floor. The infra red sensors have a field of view down each side of the bed do that when the legs swing over the side, the infra red sensors detect the legs and immediately initiate the alarm. The infra red sensors positions are both adjustable in width to and height to take account of most single beds.
This system can be supplied with a long range portable pager system or a fixed audible alarm system. If the carer is hearing impaired the alarm can be fitted with a portable vibrating alarm or a vibrating alarm that fits under the pillow for use during the night time.
Hospital or Nursing Home Alarm
In the hospital or nursing home environment, the alarm system is mounted at the foot end of the bed with the infra red sensors pointing back toward the wall. Using this approach, people walking by the end of the bed do not activate the alarm.
The sensors can interface into any type of nurse call system used in hospitals or nursing homes or can interface into a radio linked paging system as well.
The power to the alarm and the return is provided via a thin flexible conduit that slips under the mattress. At the head of the bed, the power is plugged into a socket at the end of the conduit and the alarm cable is plugged into the alarm socket on the wall.
At the foot end of the bed, the power from the conduit plugs into the alarm and the alarm circuit plugs into the flexible conduit. The flexible conduit is not affected by the weight of the mattress.
From an Occupational Health and Safety point of view, the alarm sensors are mounted on a movable bracket which if knocked by nursing staff as they walk by will swing out of the way and then return to their correct position. The brackets have reflective tape on them so that they shine during the nights if a torch is directed at them.
FEATURES
SPECIFICATIONS.
DELIVERY.
Generally two weeks after placement of order.
INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
Virtually no installation required.
PURCHASE OPTIONS.
The alarm can be purchased outright or can be rented over a 12 month or 24 month period with a residual at the end of the rental period.
Rental provided through Our Rental Company. Terms and Conditions Apply.
Email to
D.C.T. Associates Pty LtdLast updated: 26th October 1999
This is the Gas/Electric Stove Isolation System page of D.C.T. Associates Pty Ltd, ACN 007 966 145, designers and manufacturers of specialised alarm systems for the hearing and physically disadvantaged.