The lift for the sick is a mechanical tool that allows you to safely move a bedridden patient, avoiding physical effort to the person who takes care of him. Most of the models of the various manufacturers work in the same way, but there are some particular machines for which it is advisable to consult the user manual, the manufacturer himself or an expert who knows how to use them to understand their specific features and functions. Become familiar with using the machine with an empty harness (ie without a patient) or with the help of a volunteer with normal mobility before moving paraplegic people, who have undergone surgery or other individuals with movement difficulties.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Familiarize yourself with the harness and the lifter
Step 1. Locate the base and wheels of the machine
The lifter should have two "legs" parallel to the ground supported by four wheels. These must be constantly stable, so make sure they are firmly fixed to the base and do not use the lift if the floor is uneven.
Step 2. Expand the base
Near the main column of the lifter you will find one control lever which allows you to move the legs of the base away or close together. This lever should be inserted and locked into a slot to prevent the base from moving once it has been brought into the correct position.
- Some models have a control pedal instead of this lever.
- Always lock the base in the widest possible position before lifting the patient, and keep it that way while the person is in mid-air. If you forget this important precaution, the lifter could tip over.
Step 3. Look at the spreader bar and harness bar
The upper part of the machine consists of a lifting bar or arm, at the end of which there are four bars to fix the harness which, taken together, are called crib. At the end of the cradle there are four or more hooks to which the sling that supports the patient is fixed.
Step 4. Understand how to raise and lower the spreader bar
There are two main models of patient handling machines: manual (or hydraulic) and electric. The only difference between these two types of lifter lies in the method used to raise and lower the bar. The manual ones have one hydraulic handle which must be moved up and down several times to raise the arm, while the electric models are equipped with two simple arrow keys "Up" and "Down" that control the bar.
- Find the baby control valve at the base of the hydraulic handle. When this is facing the handle, it is closed. For the hydraulic mechanism to work and the boom to lift, the valve must be in this position. Keep moving the handle until the bar locks into the correct position.
- When the valve is turned away from the handle, then it is open. Gently move it from the "closed" to the "open" position to control how quickly the boom lowers.
Step 5. Look for the emergency release mechanism if it is an electric model
Most electric lifts are equipped with an emergency release mechanism, which allows the patient to be lowered mechanically in the event of a power failure. Learn where it is and how to use it. Some machines have a recessed key that can be activated with a pen, but you must check the manual of the model in your possession exactly.
- Manual lifters do not have an emergency mechanism, as they are controlled by human force and not by batteries which have a limited life.
- There may also be two or more emergency release buttons on the machine. Learn which are the primary and secondary (which should only be used when the former does not respond).
Step 6. Identify the type of harness
The U-bands are the simplest and fastest to use and are suitable for handling patients who are able to support a sitting position, even if just hinted at. Full-body harnesses, called hammock harnesses, take longer to move, but are indispensable for people who cannot sit alone.
- The U-shaped bands, as the name suggests, have a shape similar to a "U" with two long parallel extensions. They are padded to ensure maximum comfort.
- A full-body or hammock harness is one large piece often with a hole in the butt area.
- Use the model with head and neck support for those patients who are unable to support their head alone.
- Check that the type of sling you are using is suitable for the model of machine. If necessary, contact the manufacturer.
- Trust your doctor to know which type of sling to use for each patient, based on their needs and size.
Step 7. Check the band to make sure there are no defects
Even minor damage such as loose stitches, tears or worn buttonholes could cause the harness to break during transport, resulting in possible patient or operator injury. The bands are generally very sturdy, but you should always check them before each move, in case they need to be replaced.
Step 8. Learn to connect the harness to the cradle hooks
Depending on the type of sling, the method of attachment to the cradle also changes; you may need chains, straps or rings. Familiarize yourself with the fastening system by consulting the manual or asking for help from an experienced colleague.
- If you are using a band with hooks, attach them so that they are oriented away from the patient to avoid injury.
- Understand which side of the sling the patient should sit on and which side is the external side. If in doubt, ask a colleague or check the manual.
Step 9. Practice finding a good lifting technique
The machine will do most of the work, but you will still have to put the sling on and off the patient. You should follow all safety measures to minimize the risk of injury. In this case, the same useful tips apply for handling heavy loads or furniture.
- Use your legs to maintain balance and to support most of the weight. Keep them spread apart and bend your knees slightly before lifting.
- The back should remain as straight as possible during the movement.
- Don't rotate your body as you lift. Stand in the direction of where you need to move the patient to avoid having to turn your torso midway through the lift.
Step 10. Practice extensively in each type of handling before moving on to patient practice
Follow these instructions several times using an empty lifter or with a volunteer with complete mobility. You must master each step before attempting to move a sufferer, especially if you are alone.
If possible, get help from an assistant who knows how to use a lifter. Many hospitals require this maneuver to be carried out by two operators to reduce the risk of injury
Step 11. Know the limits of the harness and the machine
Consult the user manual or contact the manufacturer to find out how much weight your model and band can support. Never try to lift loads exceeding the capacity of the machine or harness. As previously described, use the right sling according to the patient's size and needs.
- If this is a new patient, ask them about their range of motion before lifting them, so you will know how much they can cooperate when moving.
- Use common sense when asked to pick up a patient who may be making sudden involuntary movements, who has a hostile attitude, or who may be causing yours and his or her injury. Refuse to proceed, if you think it is necessary, instead of putting both of you at risk.
Method 2 of 3: Move a Person from the Horizontal Position
Step 1. Explain each step of the procedure to the patient
Before carrying out each step, explain to the patient what you are going to do and why. Let him know why you have to move him, even if he has not requested it; involve him throughout the procedure because, in addition to being a sign of respect, he will be able to collaborate as much as possible.
Step 2. If the patient is in a hospital bed, keep the rails raised and locked as long as they do not interfere with your movements
You will have to move from one side of the bed to the other several times, if you do not have an assistant, so be sure to lift and lock the safety rails every time you move. It is worth keeping one lowered temporarily if you have better access to sling the patient.
Once the sling is connected to the lift, raise and lock the rails once more before moving the patient. The patient may want to grab a rail to have greater stability at the beginning of the lifting process
Step 3. Raise the bed to the maximum height while keeping it flat
If the bed on which the patient lies is adjustable in height, raise it so that he can work comfortably. The higher the bed, the less strain is placed on your back while caring for the patient.
Step 4. Ask the patient to lie on their back near the edge of the bed where you placed the lift
If it is a single or large bed, the patient should be in the center of the mattress. If it is a double bed or even larger, ask the person to approach the edge, on the side where the lift is.
The patient, however, should not be on the far edge of the mattress
Step 5. Move any blankets or sheets that may interfere with operations
Place the objects that are on the displacement line above another surface or near the base of the bed. Adjust the patient's clothing or dressing gown.
Step 6. Ask the patient to lift the leg that is next to you
Help him bend the knee and place the sole of his foot on the mattress. Tell him that he will have to roll to one side and that thanks to the raised knee it will be easier.
Step 7. Roll the person to the opposite side from you
Gently grab the patient's raised knee and opposite shoulder, then push him to the side so that he is facing away from you.
If the patient is unable to maintain this position without support, place a rolled-up towel or similar object behind their back to secure them. Alternatively, ask a helper to support him
Step 8. Fold the harness in half lengthwise and place it next to the patient
The bottom should be just above her knees and the top just above her armpits. Check that the rings and labels are inside the folded harness.
The fold of the band should be close to his body, and the open side facing away from him
Step 9. Return the patient to the supine position and then to the other side
By always rolling it and using the same technique, make sure that the patient is now lying on his opposite side, over the folded band.
- Move to the other side of the bed if you can't move the patient comfortably while staying where you are.
- If you used a wedge to keep the person stable, move the wedge before rolling the person to avoid pain.
Step 10. Gently tug on the top layer of the folded band
Pull it to unfold it so that it lies flat on the bed.
Step 11. Return the patient supine, over the harness
He moves his limbs according to the shape of the band and the patient's preferences. The arms should be extended at the sides or spread outwards, if the patient prefers them to remain outside the harness. The legs should be resting straight on the mattress, together or slightly apart, depending on the band model.
Step 12. Lock the lift in place, with the base under the bed
Check that there are no objects obstructing the legs of the machine if you find that you cannot position it correctly. If necessary, close the legs of the lift with the handle and the control pedal but, once the base is well positioned under the bed, remember to spread them again as much as possible.
- The cradle bar should be above and parallel to the patient's shoulders.
- Remember to block always the wheels before continuing.
Step 13. Lower the lift arm until the cradle bar is over the patient
Lower it just enough to ensure that the sling rings and loops can be attached to the cradle rings, without touching the patient.
If you don't know how to lower the lift arm, re-read the previous section of this article. Before attempting to move a patient with limited mobility, you should have complete mastery of the machine
Step 14. Attach the rings on the sides of the U-band to the crib
There may be several loops and buttonholes behind the patient's shoulders, so that you can choose the ones that give him the most comfort. Ask the patient, if possible, to tell you which combination they perceive as best suited to their needs. Thanks to the chains, straps or long rings, connect each corner of the sling to the correct hook of the cradle.
- For the straps with the loop harness on the legs, cross these rings under the patient's limbs. Make sure that the left leg harness reaches the right hook and vice versa, and that the hooks are away from the lifting arm of the machine. This crisscross arrangement allows the patient to keep his legs together and prevents him from slipping off the sling.
- Some harnesses have a support flap for the neck and head. For patients who can control the head, this element may be uncomfortable, so it is worth taking it off.
- Make sure that the open part of the hooks face away from the patient to avoid injury.
Step 15. Slowly raise the arm of the machine
Check that all the loops are snug and secure, and lift the patient just above the level of the mattress. Before proceeding, make sure everything is secure and comfortable.
Step 16. Rotate and slowly lift the band with the patient inside it to bring the latter to its destination
You will probably have to adjust the width of the base, but don't do it while raising or lowering the arm of the machine. You shouldn't move the lift in height as you move it.
- If you are taking the patient to another room, slowly adjust the cradle bar so that the patient is facing you during the journey.
- With great care, place it directly above the new destination, perfectly in the center of the structure that will welcome it.
Step 17. Lower the lift arm until the patient is comfortably reclining
If you have moved him to an armchair or wheelchair, his pelvis should be as far back as possible for a sitting position.
Step 18. Unhook the rings of the band and remove the latter
Proceed to this stage only when the person is sitting or lying comfortably in their new destination. Gently remove the harness from under his body and place it in a safe place.
- If the patient is in a bed or on a stretcher, roll him to one side and then the other and then fold and remove the band. Use the same technique described at the beginning of this section.
- If the patient is sitting in a car or in a wheelchair, gently tug the harness from above.
Method 3 of 3: Move a Person from the Sitting Position
Step 1. Tell the person what you are going to do
Make sure she knows where she is going and that you are lifting and transferring her for that very reason. If you describe each step to the patient, you allow him to cooperate as far as his motor skills allow.
Step 2. Place the U-strap behind the patient
The rings should face forward and the arched part of the U should be on top. The straight ends of the U-sling will be crossed behind the patient's legs, so they must stay low.
Step 3. Slip the band on behind the patient by moving it a little from side to side
Pull it down so that it is between the person's back and the back of the chair. Make sure that one end of the harness fabric is low enough to cover the patient's pelvis.
Step 4. Bring the lift close to the chair and spread the base
The base moves with wheels and can become wider or narrower in the front which is located just below the cradle. Thanks to this function, the lift can get as close as possible to the structure in which the patient is lying.
- Open and close the lift base in the correct way to position the cradle right over the person. Use the foot control or the handle to manage the width of the legs of the machine.
- Before lifting a person spreads out always the base of the machine as much as possible.
- Block always the wheels before lifting the patient.
Step 5. Attach the side rings of the U-strap to the cradle
You will find many adjustable rings and buttonholes behind the patient's shoulders, which you can choose to ensure maximum comfort. Attach these rings to the hooks you find on the cradle attached to the end of the lift arm.
- Cross the bands under the patient's legs. Make sure that the left band is attached to the right hook and vice versa, and that the hooks do not interfere with the movement of the lift arm. This crossed structure allows the patient to keep his legs together and at the same time prevents him from falling off the harness.
- Secure the neck support flap if the patient is unable to support the head independently. You shouldn't use it with patients who are able to control the boss.
Step 6. Slowly lift the cradle
Check carefully that all the rings are secure. Raise the patient just enough to lift him out of the chair and check that everything is comfortable and safe before proceeding.
Step 7. Slowly push the lift and sling (with the patient in it) to their final destination
Unlock the wheels and steer the machine to bring the patient to the predetermined point. Adjust the width of the base, if necessary, but only after the lifting arm has reached the right height.
The patient should be facing the main column of the lift
Step 8. Lock the wheels and make sure the base is widened to the maximum under the new structure that will house the patient
Position the person with great attention so that they are comfortable and safe, once you lay them down.
Step 9. Slowly lower the tool arm
For this, always use the hydraulic handle (for manual lifters) or the control buttons (for electric models). Make sure that the patient is comfortable and that his pelvis is as far back as possible if he is in a sitting position.
Step 10. Remove the harness once the patient is safe
Gently tug it upwards to remove it from behind the patient's back (if he is sitting). If you have placed the patient in bed, ask him to roll onto his side, fold the band and then move the person to the other side to completely remove the harness.
Advice
Get the instruction manual for your specific model, so you'll be able to repair any mechanical problems that should arise, as well as replace the dead battery, if it's an electric lift
Warnings
- Make sure that the bed, stretcher, wheelchair and lift are locked when you do not have to move them from one place to another during the procedure. If one of these objects accidentally gets away, the patient could fall dangerously.
- Do not Pull never the machine arm directly to lower and raise it while the patient is in the sling.
