Information on Clinical Alarms on Hospital Equipment

Alarms are used in hospitals for a variety of reasons. They are used primarily to notify nurses and doctors of changes in a patient's condition. Different tones and sounds are used to help staff determine the meaning and importance of each alarm.

Equipment Alarms

• Some medical equipment and monitors are equipped with alarms that are programmed to alert the staff when specific events occur. Alarms are found on heart monitors and ventilators. These alarms sound when changes occur in the patient's condition. The devices may also sound an alert if they malfunction or are removed.

Patient Safety Alarms

• Alarms are used to help protect a patient's safety. Patient safety alarms include chair and bed alarms, which alert staff if the patient attempts to move out of her bed or chair. Those who are confused or too weak to move without assistance may need this type of alarm to remind them to ask for help.

Security Alarms

• Security alarms may be located at each entrance or exit of the hospital or wing. This type of alarm is often found in the pediatric department and helps ensure that children are not removed from the wing without consent. A special bracelet can be placed on the wrist or ankle of a patient. The bracelet will set off the alarm if it gets too close to the sensors located at the entry points of the facility or wing.