Operator's Manual

Tempus Pro User/Operator Manual - 41-2001EN-00 – Page 123
7 Alarms
The Tempus produces both patient (physiological) alarms and technical alarms. Patient alarms are user
configurable but technical alarms are not. Patient alarm settings are reset to factory defaults when a new
patient is admitted or if you switch back to monitor a previous patient. If you turn the Tempus off and on and
select to continue monitoring, the alarm settings will be retained (if the off period is less than 30 seconds)
and the Tempus will revert to currently used settings.
Default alarm values will differ across different patient ages (adult, paediatric, and neonate) – see “7.3
Patient alarms”.
Note that default alarms are configurable by the operating institution.
WARNING
Do not silence the audible alarm if patient safety may be compromised.
WARNING
Always respond immediately to a system alarm since the patient may not be
monitored during certain alarm conditions.
WARNING
Before each use, verify that the alarm limits are appropriate for the patient being
monitored.
WARNING
Check the audible alarm silence duration before temporarily silencing the audible
alarms.
CAUTION
In high-altitude environments, EtCO2 values may be lower than values observed at sea
level, as described by Dalton's law of partial pressures. When using the monitor in high
altitude environments, it is advisable to consider adjusting EtCO2 alarm settings
accordingly.
All alarms are “non-latching” i.e. the audible and visual alarm indicators will cease when the alarm condition
ceases to exist. For example, if the heart rate goes from 80 to 105 and the alarm threshold has been set to
100, then both visual and audible alarms will be generated, when the heart rate drops below 100 the visual
and audible alarms will cease automatically.
Alarms are audible in a 360 direction from the Tempus, however users should note that alarm volume will
be loudest when the user is positioned facing the Tempus. Moving to the side or rear of the Tempus will
produce quieter alarm volumes. Alarm volumes are specified at 1m from the front of the device.
The visual alarms are visible in a 360 direction around the Tempus. However, users should note that
alarms will be most visible from the front of the device. While the alarms are visible from the sides (via light
dispersed in the handle) and the rear, the visibility of the alarms is reduced in these positions.
The normal operating position of the operator should take into account the ability to see and hear the alarm
signals taking into account local light and noise levels.
The alarm bar and the audible alarm will operate briefly soon after start up. Ensure both functions are
operating before using the device.