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7. Side guards
When using the side guards, particular care and caution should be taken: Side guards are first
and foremost intended to protect the patient. On no account may the side guards be used as a
means to restrain the patient.
As soon as the mobility of the patient or resident is restricted, a court order is requi-
red to use the side guards. Divided side guards or side guards that can be individual-
ly lowered, in which only the head and section is assembled, and which can be used
as a help in getting in and out of bed, are only a permissible exception for mobile
residents or patients.
When using side guards, their suitability should be checked, taking into account the
individual requirements of the respective patient or resident. In particular, the clea-
rances between the panels and supports in relation to the body shape of the patient
or resident must be taken into account, so that entrapment or slipping through is
ruled out. If necessary, additional side guard cushioning must be used which reduces
the size of the gap or closes it. This decision is exclusively the responsibility of the
medical supervision in charge.
Warning!
When lowering or raising the side guards, fingers, hands, or other body parts of the
resident could be squashed. Raise or lower the side guards with the highest care.
Warning!
Restless or disoriented patients or residents could become trapped in the safety
clearances of the side guards. Protect these patients or residents by using side guard
cushioning.
Caution!
If necessary, use an side guard extension as an additional safety and protective fea-
ture for the use of increased mattress systems and the side protection pads (acces-
sory) available.
Caution!
The side guards could get overloaded and damaged by heavy loads, leaning or pul-
ling. Such overloading has to be avoided.