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7
Reducing the Risk of Entrapment
WARNING
The Hospital Bed Safety Workgroup (HBSW) in partnership with the FDA has
recognized potential entrapment zones in hospital bed systems and has developed
dimensional guidance to reduce the risk of entrapment. They have identified seven
zones in the bed system where there is a potential for patient entrapment.
Entrapment may occur in flat or articulated bed positions, with the rails fully raised
or in intermediate positions. Each facility is responsible for compliance with the
entrapment guidelines. For more information about entrapment zones and
guidelines please visit the FDA website.
ENTRAPMENT ZONES:
Zone 1: Within the rail
Zone 2: Between the top of the compressed mattress and the bottom of the rail,
between the rail supports
Zone 3: Between the rail and the mattress
Zone 4: Between the top of the compressed mattress and the bottom of the rail, at
the end of the rail
Zone 5: Between the split bed rails
Zone 6: Between the end of the rail and the side edge of the head or foot board
Zone 7: Between the head or foot board and the mattress end