Definition 3.17 – DISTRIBUTED ALARM SYSTEM

In simple equipment, ALARM CONDITIONS are detected, processed and ALARM SIGNALS are generated within that single piece of equipment. Typical examples would be a stand-alone PATIENT monitor or a stand-alone ventilator.

In networked equipment, in a system of devices with a central station, or with devices that generate ALARM SIGNALS for caregivers (OPERATORS) at some distance from the PATIENT, more complicated ALARM SYSTEMS are used.

In a DISTRIBUTED ALARM SYSTEM one of the following takes place in different parts of the ME SYSTEM:

a) the detection of an ALARM CONDITION;

b) the processing of an ALARM CONDITION; or

c) generation of ALARM SIGNALS.

A DISTRIBUTED ALARM SYSTEM typically comprises at least two devices:

d) equipment which detects and processes ALARM CONDITIONS and that is generally connected directly to the PATIENT, and

e) a remote device (part of a ME SYSTEM) that generates ALARM SIGNALS and that may or may not be in the vicinity of the PATIENT.

אם הציוד מורכב מרכיבים שנמצאים כולם בקרבת החולה – מבחינת המשתמש זוהי מערכת רגילה.

Thus in a network of bedside PATIENT monitors, one bedside PATIENT monitor can generate ALARM SIGNALS for ALARM CONDITIONS from a different bedside PATIENT monitor. A central station can generate ALARM SIGNALS for ALARM CONDITIONS from multiple PATIENTS. A two-way wireless communication system can generate ALARM SIGNALS for ALARM CONDITIONS to a caregiver in an area far removed from the PATIENT. All these are examples of DISTRIBUTED ALARM SYSTEMS.

A central station that processes incoming analog or digital signals from multiple PATIENTS and passes ALARM CONDITIONS back to bedside ME EQUIPMENT for generation of ALARM SIGNALS is a DISTRIBUTED ALARM SYSTEM.

כל הדיון במערכות מבוזרות הוא מיותר. הדרישה היחידה שיש בתקן למקרים אלו היא שההתרעה תאפשר זיהוי מיידי של החולה.