A patient support includes a height adjustable patient support deck, at least one guard structure mounted relative to the patient support deck along a side of the patient support, with the guard structure movable both vertically and laterally along the side of the patient support, and the guard structure positionable beneath at least the patient support deck. The patient support further includes a control system configured to determine whether the guard structure is located beneath the patient support deck and to enable or disable a function of the patient support and/or to adjust a parameter of the patient support when the guard structure is located beneath the patient support deck.

A patient support apparatus supports a patient and comprises a litter. The litter comprises a patient support deck and extends longitudinally between first and second ends. A base is configured to support the litter and comprises a base lift mechanism configured to move the litter between lifted and lowered base positions. A side ramp is coupled to the patient support deck along the litter between the first and second ends and extends laterally away from the patient support deck to an engagement end. The side ramp is pivotable relative to the litter between first and second positions. In the first position, the side ramp is planar with or angled upwardly to extend above the patient support deck. In the second position, the side ramp is angled downwardly to extend below the patient support deck for contacting the floor surface with the engagement end when in the lowered base position.

A patient support includes a frame, a patient support surface supported at the frame, a display incorporated into the frame, and a user interface incorporated into the frame. The patient support frame includes a controller incorporated into the frame, which has a plurality of prompts stored therein. The user interface is in communication with the controller and may be used to select a selected prompt from the plurality of prompts stored in the controller. When a prompt is selected, the controller generates a display image or text associated with the selected prompt at the display in response to a passage of time or an input to provide a visual prompt to the user.

A patient support may be adjustable in height, width, length or a combination thereof. The patient support may be usable with normal sized patients or with bariatric patients. The patient support has a variety of features to enhance operability and/or functionality, including a width adjustable caster frame, width adjustable deck portions, a width adjustable headboard and an extendible foot board to provide extra length. An enhanced lift mechanism can accommodate bariatric patients and alternative functionality in achieving deck positions improves patient comfort. Various parts of the patient support including deck panels and the footboard may be removed and replaced with ease without complicated connectors.

A patient support system for providing customized user menus. The system comprises a patient support apparatus, a user interface configured to receive input from a user, and a display configured to display user menus or information. The user menus may comprise indicia representative of the operational functions of the patient support apparatus. A controller determines the customized user menu based on usage characteristics, a position of the user interface in proximity to the patient support apparatus, a location of the user interface within a facility, an identification of the user, and/or a patient condition. A touchscreen and/or a mobile device may comprise the user interface and the display. The mobile device may be removably coupled to the patient support apparatus. Methods for improving patient care by providing the customized user menu are also disclosed.

Guard rail for a bed, guide rack for a guard rail and a bed with such guard rail The invention relates to a guard rail with bars intended for extending along a side of the bed. Guide racks are arranged along opposing ends of the bars. The guide racks include fastening means for securing the guide racks to the bed. Each end of the bars is adapted for engaging a suspension element. Each of the guide racks has a hook at a top position of the guide rack. A top suspension element has a pawl capable of engaging and disengaging the hook of the guide rack. Between a top suspension element and a neighbouring lower suspension element, a connecting element is provided, having a variable extension and a maximum extension between the top suspension element and the neighbouring first lower suspension element. The invention also relates to a guide rack, a method of operating the guard rail and to a bed with a guard rail.

A patient support system for providing improved guidance tools with respect to a patient support apparatus. A user interface is configured to receive inputs from a user, and an information output device is configured to provide instructions to the user. The user interface and the information output device may be embodiment on a touchscreen display. The user inputs may include a search query. A controller may be adapted to determine search results corresponding to operational functions of the patient support apparatus responsive to the search query and to provide said search results to the user with the information output device. The user input may include shorthand commands corresponding to operational functions of the patient support apparatus. The user interface may include a voice actuation device configured to receive voice actuation commands from a user.

Systems, methods, and techniques for operating a patient support apparatus are disclosed. The patient support apparatus includes moveable components and actuators to actuate the components. A user interface receives a user input to manipulate the actuatable components and produces an input signal in response to receiving the user input. A behavior controller receives the input signal from the user interface, generates a motion command signal based on the input signal, and transmits the motion command signal. A motion controller receives the motion command signal from the behavior controller and receives feedback signals from one or more of the actuators. The feedback signals are provided solely to the motion controller. The motion controller controls one or more of the actuators to actuate one or more of the actuatable components based on the motion command signal and the feedback signals.

A patient support apparatus supports a patient and comprises a litter. The litter comprises a patient support deck and extends longitudinally between first and second ends. A base is configured to support the litter and comprises a base lift mechanism configured to move the litter between lifted and lowered base positions. A side ramp is coupled to the patient support deck along the litter between the first and second ends and extends laterally away from the patient support deck to an engagement end. The side ramp is pivotable relative to the litter between first and second positions. In the first position, the side ramp is planar with or angled upwardly to extend above the patient support deck. In the second position, the side ramp is angled downwardly to extend below the patient support deck for contacting the floor surface with the engagement end when in the lowered base position.

A user module for a patient support is provided. The user module is coupled to a patient support barrier, such as a siderail or a footboard.