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Article: Reducing risk of entrapment in hospital beds.(Food and Drug Administration)
- Article from:
- FDA Consumer
- Article date:
- May 1, 2006
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2006 U.S. Government Printing Office. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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The FDA has published final guidance to reduce the risk of patients becoming entrapped in hospital beds. Entrapment can occur when part of a person's body gets caught between parts of the bed, such as in the space between the mattress and the side rail. This hazard can cause strangulation and death. Older people in hospitals and nursing homes, especially those who are frail, confused, restless, or who have uncontrollable body movement, are most vulnerable to entrapment.
The guidance provides design recommendations for manufacturers of new hospital beds. It also gives suggestions to facilities with existing beds, including hospitals, nursing homes, and private ...