For Director of Nursing

BedSide Sentinel

Operation Instructions

    The BedSide Sentinel is a self-contained alarm unit which stand away from the bed and out of reach of the patient.  It detects motion and, when armed and properly adjusted, will sound an alarm when the resident makes motions associated with preparing to get out of bed.

    This unit is totally restraint-free.   The BedSide Sentinel, when properly placed and aimed at the resident, will either sound either a "Chime" or an "Alarm."  You can select which is more appropriate.  The "Chime" might be appropriate for times when the facility is quiet.  The loud alarm of thirty (30) seconds duration might be more appropriate for day time hours when there is more background noise in the facility.

Installation

1. Place the assembled unit about two (2) feet from either the foot or the side of the bed, whit the Sentinel's eye facing the bed.
2. Slide the switch to "Chimes".  Let the unit warm  up for 30 seconds, then pass your hand in front of the unit's eye.  The unit will chime a few times and then stop.  If the unit does not sound, replace the battery.  Do not put the unit in service unless it is working properly.
3. Since different people make different motions in preparing to leave their bed, it is important to adjust the Sentinel to each individual's situation.
4. With the resident sitting up in bed, aim the unit at the top of the patient's head.  In this position, the unit should sound when the patient sits up in bed.
5. Now, adjust the unit so the alarm does not sound while the resident is in various normal sleeping positions.  With the resident lying on his or her back, and with the bed's siderails up, have the resident roll from side to side, then raise his or her knees.  Adjust the unit's position so that it does not sound when these normal sleeping motions are made.
6. The unit has a 60° horizontal detection range and approximately a 5° vertical range.  The illustrations shown below and the accompanying specifications will help you understand the function of the unit and how to position it.

7. You may need to raise the height of the entire unit, or to adjust the aim of the Sentinel unit up or down slightly, as shown below.

8. To cancel the alarm, or while working with or near the resident, turn the unit "Off".  Please remember to turn the Sentinel "On" again before you leave the patient's room.  Remember - the unit can take up to 30 seconds to be activated after you turn it on again.

9. For safety's sake, the Sentinel should be stored in a corner or in a closet when not in use.

Installation

    The following suggestions will help you get the maximum trouble-free use from your BedSide Sentinel:

• Keep the unit dry.  If it does get wet, wipe it dry immediately.   Liquids can contain minerals that can corrode the electronic circuits.

• Use and store the Sentinel only in normal room temperature environments.   Temperature extremes can shorten the life of electronic devices and distort or melt plastic parts.

• Handle the Sentinel gently and carefully.  Dropping it can damage circuit boards and cases and cause the alarm to work improperly.

• Keep the Sentinel away from dust and dirt, which can cause premature wear of parts.

• Wipe the Sentinel clean with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking new.  Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, or strong detergents to clean your Sentinel alarm.

   Troubleshooting

  If you have problems with your Sentinel, consult the following information.  If you still have problems, call Powderhorn Industries at 1-800-336-1414 for assistance.  Your unit is covered by a six-month parts and labor warranty.  After the expiration of the warranty period, repairs are available at a nominal charge.

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