Lesson 1Start-up procedure for a new patient: attaching leads/sensors, setting alarm limits, patient ID and demographicsThis section describes the correct start-up workflow for a new patient, including attaching ECG, SpO2, NIBP, and temperature sensors, entering patient ID and demographics, setting alarm limits and profiles, and confirming stable baselines before clinical use in local clinics.
Selecting the correct patient profileAttaching ECG, SpO2, NIBP, and temp sensorsEntering patient ID and demographicsSetting and confirming alarm limitsVerifying signal quality before monitoringHandover communication with clinical staffLesson 2Common faults and troubleshooting: monitor shutdowns, battery failures, display/firmware issues and basic corrective stepsThis section addresses frequent monitor faults, such as unexpected shutdowns, battery failures, display or keypad issues, and firmware errors, and presents structured troubleshooting steps, safe user-level fixes, and criteria for escalation to biomedical engineering in resource-limited areas.
Monitor will not power on or rebootsBattery not charging or short runtimeDisplay, touchscreen, and keypad faultsECG, SpO2, or NIBP channel failuresFirmware freezes, errors, and updatesEscalation to biomedical engineeringLesson 3Preventive checks and functional tests: battery capacity test, NIBP cuff leak test, SpO2 sensor performance check, ECG lead impedance checkThis section details routine functional tests that verify monitor readiness, including battery capacity assessment, NIBP cuff leak and overpressure checks, SpO2 sensor performance tests, and ECG lead impedance verification using built-in or external test tools available locally.
Battery runtime and capacity test methodsNIBP cuff leak and valve function checksSpO2 sensor accuracy and response testsECG lead impedance and continuity checksUsing internal self-tests and service menusRecording and interpreting test resultsLesson 4Clinical roles and typical measurement parameters (ECG/HR, SpO2, NIBP, RESP, temperature)This section reviews the clinical roles of multiparameter monitors and explains typical parameters such as ECG, heart rate, SpO2, NIBP, respiratory rate, and temperature, including normal ranges, clinical significance, and limitations of each measurement channel in Gambian patient care.
Overview of multiparameter monitor functionsECG and heart rate: uses and limitationsSpO2 and pulse rate interpretationNIBP measurement cycles and artifactsRespiratory rate and apnea detectionCore and skin temperature monitoringLesson 5Pre-use preparation: power, battery check, lead/patient cable inspection, sensor calibration verificationThis section explains pre-use preparation steps before connecting a patient, including power and battery checks, visual inspection of leads and patient cables, verification of sensor calibration status, and confirming accessories match the intended clinical application in busy wards.
Verifying mains power and battery statusInspecting leads, cables, and connectorsConfirming correct sensors and accessoriesChecking calibration labels and due datesConfiguring default profiles and layoutsDocumenting pre-use safety checksLesson 6Alarm management: alarm priorities, escalation workflows, adjusting limits safelyThis section explains safe alarm management, including alarm priority levels, configuration of limits and delays, escalation workflows, strategies to reduce alarm fatigue, and verification that alarms remain clinically appropriate for each patient condition in Gambian hospitals.
Alarm priority levels and meaningsSetting patient-specific alarm limitsAdjusting alarm volumes and delaysAlarm escalation and response workflowsStrategies to reduce alarm fatigueTesting alarms after configurationLesson 7Daily and weekly maintenance: cleaning disinfection protocols, visual inspection, cable and connector checks, sensor functional testsThis section covers daily and weekly maintenance tasks, including cleaning and disinfection of housings and sensors, visual inspection for damage, checking cables and connectors, and performing quick functional tests to detect early failures and ensure reliability in tropical climates.
Approved cleaning and disinfection agentsCleaning housings, screens, and sensorsDaily visual inspection for damageCable, connector, and strain relief checksQuick functional checks of key channelsWeekly review of accessories and sparesLesson 8Signal artefact troubleshooting: removing motion, poor contact, grounding and electrical interference checksThis section covers recognition and correction of motion artefacts, poor electrode or sensor contact, loose grounding, and electrical interference, using waveform inspection, lead repositioning, and systematic checks to restore reliable monitoring signals in everyday use.
Identifying motion artefacts on ECG and SpO2Correcting poor electrode and sensor contactChecking patient grounding and equipotential linksTracing mains and RF interference sourcesUsing monitor filters and notch settingsWhen to replace cables, leads, or sensorsLesson 9Documentation and reporting: logging preventive maintenance, incident reports, calibration records, device history trackingThis section outlines documentation practices for maintenance and incidents, including logging preventive maintenance, recording failures and repairs, tracking calibration certificates, and maintaining device history records to support safety, audits, and regulatory compliance in Gambia.
Preventive maintenance log requirementsIncident and near-miss report contentRecording repairs and part replacementsManaging calibration records and labelsBuilding a device history fileUsing CMMS or digital tracking tools
