How to Operate a Manual Hoyer Lift

A Hoyer lift is a piece of equipment designed to lift people from beds to wheelchairs or other beds. They are used on people who are otherwise incapacitated--the disabled, or just the very sick and weak.



A manual Hoyer lift uses a crank and hydraulic pumps rather than electricity or battery power. However, the principles behind each lift are essentially the same, as the real skill is in getting the patient in the lift safely and calmly.

Instructions

Sling

• 1

  Roll the patient onto his side and place the sling under him, ensuring that the apex of the "V" shape is at the base of his spine.

• 2

  Roll the patient onto her back and pull the other side of the sling, taking care to keep the patient centered on the sling.

• 3

  Bring the loops together to make sure the sling puts the patient in a comfortable sitting position.

• 4

  Cross the leg loops to make a comfortable base.

Lift

• 5

  Unlock the lift's wheels and push it over to the patient's bed, lining the hooks up with the loops on the sling.

• 6

  Lock the wheels to ensure that the lift doesn't accidentally move while you are transferring the patient.

• 7

  Attach the sling to the lift, starting with the longer loops and moving to the shortest loops.

• 8

  Crank the lift a little bit until the patient clears the bed.

• 9

  Disengage the safety brakes so that some movement is possible and swing the patient toward you. Ensure that you are facing the patient from this point forward so you have more control and the patient is more comfortable.