Positioning a patient for optimal caregiving and comfort used to be quite a chore. Pillows had to be positioned beneath the head and shoulders for elevation, or the bed frame itself had to be raised and lowered mechanically by using hand cranks. Some older books providing information on home care even suggested placing an inverted wooden chair in the bed to provide an elevated back rest. In the middle of the last century, electric motors replaced the cranks, allowing the bed to be raised and lowered with ease and more comfort for the patient.

  
From library.rehabmart.com

The newest generation of innovative hospital beds includes the Intensive Care Hospital Bed from Pedia Pals. At just under 86 inches long, with a weight capacity of 450 pounds and a 40 inch width with the rails in place, the Intensive Care bed can accommodate a wide variety of patients. Its height can be adjusted between 19.5 and 35.5 inches, minimizing back strain for the caregiver. To enhance durability and extend the life of the bed, the frame is made of powder coated steel tubing. Supports and dampers on the head and foot prevent collapse when the bed is in the V or reverse V positions. The foot board, head board, and side rails come in a variety of colors to blend with any décor, and are made from injectable PP-PE plastic for easy cleaning and disinfection. When the rails are not in use, they may be removed and stored beneath the bed. ABS plastic forms the bed chassis.

Positioning the bed is a breeze thanks to the 120 volt motor. It comes with a backup battery to allow movement during power outages. The control panel moves the bed into the desired position and if necessary, locks it into place. It also operates lamps placed at the head and foot of the bed, enabling the patient's safety when getting into and out of bed. Another helpful feature is the quick release mechanism to put the bed in position either manually or with the motor should CPR be needed. The bed may also be adjusted to either the reverse or regular Trendelenburg position at a twenty degree angle.

Adjustable casters allow the bed to be moved. They can be placed into locked, directional locked, or mobile position with a touch of the adjustment pedal.  The Intensive Care bed also comes with its own stainless steel IV pole with hooks suitable for hanging saline solution bags.

Whether for a hospital, a long-term care facility, or when special circumstances for at-home use such as disability, recovery from surgery or an injury call for a bed that keeps the patient comfortable and the caregiver's back a little happier, the Intensive Care Bed provides both with ease.


Fran Jablway,
Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO