Chair Sentinel

In-Service Instructions

Separate Instructions for the Maintenance Department are included with the Sentinel

The Chair Sentinel is not a restraint!  It is a patient releasable device.  Releasing the belt buckle causes a loud 90 db signal to alert your staff before the patient has transferred weight to a standing position.  The extra time provided by the Chair Sentinel can make a big difference in fall prevention.

1. Test the Chair Sentinel by turning the on/off switch on the Sentinel control box to the "on" position, and unbuckling the lap belt buckle.  An intermittent, loud, high-pitch tone should sound.  The tone should stop when the buckle is refastened.
2. After testing the Chair Sentinel, turn the on-off switch "off".
3. Seat the resident in the chair, buckle the lap belt around the resident, and adjust the tightness of the belt as appropriate for posture assistance and comfort.
4. Turn the on-off switch to the "on" position.  The Chair Sentinel is now operating.
5. If the resident starts to leave the chair by unbuckling the belt, the tone will sound.
6. The nearest staff member must respond immediately in order to prevent the resident from falling and to provide whatever assistance is necessary.  Turn the on-off switch "off" to stop the tone.
7. When the resident is returned to the chair, remember to turn the on-off switch "on" after buckling the belt. 

Cleaning

DON'T WASH wheelchairs with the Chair Sentinel attached!

There is no electrical shock hazard, but water under pressure can cause problems with the Chair Sentinel's electronic circuitry.  If your facility washes its chairs in a shower stall or by using a pressure washer, have your maintenance person remove the Sentinel control box/short belt assembly before washing the chair!

It's OK to wipe the chair with water or disinfectant solution with the Chair Sentinel in place.  Just try to keep excess water away from the Sentinel Control Box and the belt buckle.

If the Chair Sentinel won't work or sounds different after the chair is cleaned, try drying the Sentinel Control Box and the buckle with a hair dryer.   Usually, this will drive any moisture out and will restore your Chair Sentinel to full operation.

Battery replacement

If the Chair Sentinel's buzzer doesn't sound with the on-off switch "on" and the belt buckle unfastened, it is probably time for a new battery.   (Since no electricity is used except when the buzzer sounds, the battery will last for a long time.)

To replace the 9 volt battery, slip the battery compartment cover on the Sentinel Control Box up and off, disconnect the old battery, and connect the battery clip to the new battery.  Replace the battery compartment cover and test the unit.

The unit's 9 volt alkaline batteries are available everywhere batteries are sold.  Have one or two on hand to keep your Chair Sentinel units in operation.

Guarantee

Each Chair Sentinel is covered by 100% parts and labor warranty for 6 months from the date we ship the unit to you.  If the returned Chair Sentinel is within the warranty period, there is no charge for repair.  However, if we find the unit has been abused, damaged, or tampered with, a fee of $35.00 plus shipping will be charged.  If the warranty period has expired, the service charge is $35.00 plus shipping.

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