Understanding Alarm Fatigue

☐ I know hospitals are noisy and alarms are common in patient rooms.

☐ I understand that alarm fatigue happens when staff become desensitized to frequent alarms.

☐ I know alarm fatigue can delay staff responses and affect patient safety.

 

What I Can Do as a Patient or Caregiver

☐ I have asked staff to explain what alarms mean in my or my loved one’s room.

☐ I understand I should never silence or unplug medical equipment alarms myself.

☐ I know it’s OK to call the nurse if I feel alarms are not being answered quickly.

 

Supporting a Calmer Hospital Stay

☐ I have shared information about baseline conditions (like chronic low oxygen levels) that might affect alarm settings.

☐ I’ve asked staff if alarm settings can be adjusted to match my or my loved one’s needs.

☐ I know I can talk to staff about alarms interfering with rest or sleep.

 

Important Tips

Stay calm—many alarms are not emergencies, but don’t hesitate to call staff if concerned.
 Ask how staff will respond when alarms go off so you know what to expect.
 Talk to the care team about ways to reduce unnecessary alarms.

 Remember: Understanding alarms helps keep you or your loved one safe and can make the hospital stay less stressful.