A manual hospital bed is medical equipment designed for home care, operated by hand cranks rather than electricity. This design makes the bed reliable and often more economical, offering a straightforward way to reposition a patient without relying on a power source. Understanding the correct technique for adjustment is necessary for both patient safety and efficient caregiving. Learning how to properly operate the cranks ensures that you can provide therapeutic positioning, which is often needed to assist with breathing, circulation, or hygiene tasks.
Locating and Understanding the Cranks
The mechanisms for manual adjustment are typically found near the footboard of the bed or sometimes tucked beneath the frame. A standard, fully adjustable manual bed features three distinct hand cranks, each controlling a specific function. It is important to correctly identify which crank corresponds to which section before making any adjustments. One crank articulates the backrest (head section), and a second crank manages the knee or foot section, allowing the lower platform to be raised or lowered. The third, often heavier-duty crank is dedicated to the overall vertical movement of the entire bed frame, known as the Hi-Low adjustment.
Adjusting Patient Position (Head and Foot)
Changing the angle of the head and foot sections is done using the two positional cranks, which directly affect patient comfort and clinical positioning. To elevate the backrest for activities like eating, reading, or improving respiratory function, slowly turn the corresponding crank, typically clockwise. The head section can often be raised up to an angle of 85 degrees, which is beneficial for reducing the risk of aspiration and managing conditions like congestive heart failure.
The knee section crank adjusts the bend in the patient’s legs, a position sometimes called the “knee break.” Raising this section, often up to 45 degrees, helps prevent the patient from sliding down the bed when the backrest is elevated. This adjustment also promotes improved blood circulation in the lower extremities and reduces pressure on the heels, a common site for pressure ulcer development. It is advisable to make these adjustments gradually to avoid sudden shifts that could cause discomfort or strain.
Changing the Bed Frame Height
The third dedicated crank controls the vertical height of the entire bed frame. This height adjustment serves two primary purposes: ensuring patient safety during entry and exit, and optimizing the working height for the caregiver. To lower the bed to its safest position for patient transfer, which can be as low as 15 inches from the floor, turn the height crank, usually counterclockwise.
To raise the bed for caregiving tasks, such as changing linens or performing a dressing change, turn the crank in the opposite direction. Adjusting the bed to a height that aligns with the caregiver’s waist minimizes bending and reduces the risk of back injury. After cranking the bed, ensure the frame is level and stable before any significant care activity takes place. Note that the height adjustment mechanism often requires sustained physical effort due to the weight of the patient and mattress.
Essential Safety and Maintenance Tips
Maintaining a safe environment requires several consistent practices, starting with the engagement of the casters. The lockable casters must always be secured when the bed is stationary, especially when a patient is getting into or out of the bed, to prevent unexpected movement. Never leave the bed in its highest position unattended, as this increases the risk of injury should a patient fall out.
Basic maintenance is necessary to ensure the longevity and smooth operation of the manual components. Periodically inspect the bed frame for any loose bolts or connecting hardware and tighten them to maintain structural stability. If the cranks become difficult to turn or start squeaking, apply the manufacturer-recommended lubricant to the gear mechanisms to restore smooth function.