User's Manual

System Level Alarms NetGuard Alarms
3 - 2 0070-10-0678-01 NetGuard™ Operating Instructions
3.2 System Level Alarms
System level alarms indicate that a monitored patient's alarm thresholds have been violated.
By default, System level alarms are latched and use factory installed threshold settings. These
settings cannot be disabled or changed, even by the NetGuard System Administrator.
NOTE: Alarm configuration settings are retained when the
NetGuard system is reset or restarts.
An ECG waveform is produced whenever a System level alarm is triggered. If configured by
the NetGuard System Administrator, the system will automatically print an ECG waveform
when a System level alarm is called.
System level alarms are categorized as lethal and non-lethal.
3.2.1 Lethal System Level Alarm Types
Life-threatening, lethal arrhythmia alarms such as Asystole and V-Fib are considered lethal
System level alarms.
Asystole
The NetGuard device transmits an Asystole status under the following conditions:
• If after determining that electrode continuity is sufficient; and the device does not detect
an R-wave signal for a time-out period of 4 seconds; then the device forces another
continuity test and transmits an Asystole alarm message provided continuity is still
sufficient
Ventricular-Fibrillation (V-Fib) Alarm
The NetGuard device transmits a V-Fib status if the ECG signal is generated by ventricular
fibrillation.
3.2.2 Lethal Alarm Behavior
The visual and audio indicators associated with a latched lethal System level alarm are:
Visual Indicators
When a lethal System level alarm occurs, the device patient LED flashes continuously in red,
and a red alarm message window pops-up and flashes at the terminal. This window occupies
the entire screen (covering the taskbar and any open software applications).
NOTE: For information regarding the location of the patient LED,
refer to ‘‘NetGuard Device Components’’ on page 2-3.
Audio Indicators
Lethal alarm audio indicators provide audible notification when an alarm threshold is
violated. During a lethal System level alarm, the device and the terminal release audible
tones.