Stryker 5050 Operation Manual page 4

Introduction
Before operating this stretcher, it is important to read and understand all information in this manual.
Carefully read and strictly follow the warnings listed on this page.
WARNING
Patient entry, egress and transfer from the Model 5050 & 5051 Stretcher Chair must always be done at the
center side locations with the siderail lowered. At no time should patients be allowed to enter or exit from
the ends of the Stretcher Chair, unless it is in the full chair position (back section up/foot section down). Im-
proper entry, egress or transfer may cause the Stretcher Chair to tip or become unstable which may result
in patient injury.
To avoid risk of tipping resulting in patient injury, never leave the Stretcher Chair unattended in the horizontal
position. Always return the unit to the chair position when not in use. Warning labels are located at the head
and foot end of the Stretcher Chair frame stating: "DO NOT SIT ON END. TIPPING MAY OCCUR. KEEP
IN THE CHAIR POSITION WHEN NOT IN USE."
Always apply the caster brakes when a patient is getting on or off the stretcher. Push on the stretcher to en-
sure the brakes are securely locked. Always engage the brakes unless the stretcher is being moved. Injury
could result if the stretcher moves while a patient is getting on or off the stretcher. If brakes do not hold proper-
ly, refer to your stretcher maintenance manual for a brake adjustment procedure.
Be sure to remove any equipment that may be in the way before lowering the Stretcher Chair or damage could
occur to the equipment or the Stretcher Chair.
Be sure the siderail latching mechanism is working properly and the siderail is latching securely at all times
or patient injury could result. If the siderails are not latching properly, refer to your stretcher maintenance
manual for adjustment details.
To avoid having the siderail swing down freely when the latch is released, securely hold the siderail either
underneath or from the end when raising or lowering it. Failure to do so could cause damage to the Stretcher
Chair or injury to the user.
To avoid possible injury, patients should be appropriately restrained at all times.
When using the patient transfer system, always lock the brakes on all stretchers or beds being used and
always be sure the transfer surface is securely on the surface of the mating stretcher or bed. The Stretcher
Chair patient surface and the surface of the mating stretcher or bed must be at the same height before the
patient is transferred. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in an unstable surface and patient injury.
Be sure the brakes on both the Stretcher Chair and the mating bed or stretcher have been applied before
proceeding with the patient transfer.
Keep fingers/hands clear of the area between the frame and the Fowler when lowering the Fowler or injury
could result.
Hold the foot rest firmly while repositioning it to prevent it from falling to the lowest position and causing injury
or equipment damage.
Do not stand on the foot rest. Tipping may occur which could result in patient or user injury.
The foot section will release during the return to dependent operation (Chair Mode). Hold the end securely
and support it when repositioning.
The weight of the patient's head is resting on the head piece and must be supported by the operator when
the latches are released and the head piece is being positioned. Failure to adequately support the head piece
while positioning the head could result in patient injury.
CAUTION
The dual articulating headpiece is designed to provide precision surgical positioning. Be sure to treat it with
care. The unit should be routinely checked to ensure optimal performance. In the event of any impact or
overload of the headpiece, be sure the unit is working properly and supports the intended load. Verify the
adjustment gears lock and release properly and, if necessary, refer to the adjustment procedure in the mainte-
nance manual.
3