Get Restraints Bed Rail Safety Check - Primaris

Consider the following: Lower one or more sections of the bed rail, such as the foot rail. Use a proper size mattress or mattress with raised foam edges to prevent patients from being trapped between the mattress and rail. Reduce the gaps between the mattress and side rails.

Direct hazards include entrapment and entanglement either within gaps in the rails themselves, between the rails and the mattress or between the rails and the bed frame.

These rails are used on beds intended for consumers and are intended to 1) reduce the risk of falling from the bed, 2) assist the consumer in repositioning in the bed, or 3) assist the consumer in transitioning into or out of the bed.

Potential risks of bed rails may include: Strangling, suffocating, bodily injury or death when patients or part of their body are caught between rails or between the bed rails and mattress. More serious injuries from falls when patients climb over rails. Skin bruising, cuts, and scrapes.

Risk assessments should be carried out before the initial prescription of bed rails and then reviewed and recorded after each significant change in the bed occupant's condition, replacement of any part of the equipment combination and regularly during its period of use, ing to local policy.

It is recommended that all gaps between the rails should be a maximum of 60mm. Care is needed when using air mattresses or mattress overlays with bed rails. If an air mattress is intended to be used with a bed rail then the mattress supplier should be contacted for advice.

a risk assessment is carried out by a competent person taking into account the bed occupant, the bed, mattresses, bed rails and all associated equipment. the rail is suitable for the bed and mattress. the mattress fits snugly between the rails. the rail is correctly fitted, secure, regularly inspected and maintained.