Injury and death associated with hospital bed side-rails: reports to the US Food and Drug Administration from 1985 to 1995.

OBJECTIVES

Hospital bed side-rails, while intended for patient protection, can contribute to injury and death. Reports to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of hospital bed side-rail entrapment have increased. In this paper entrapment cases are reviewed and the population potentially at risk identified.

METHODS

FDA's database was searched for events involving hospital beds from January 1985 to August 1995 and entrapment cases were identified.

RESULTS

Of 111 entrapments, 65% were associated with death and 23% with injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced age, female sex, low body weight, and cognitive impairment may be associated with increased risk. Preventive measures are detailed.