How to Use Slide Sheets

People become bedridden often with severe injury and illness. Bedridden people are unable to stand, even with assistance, although they still need to be moved out of bed for linen changes, hygiene and transport. A slide sheet is a type of mat that is placed under a bedridden person to allow them to be moved from one surface to another and repositioned in bed. It is preferred over a bed sheet as it decreases friction between the person and the surface on which they are sliding. A few steps can be used to safely use a slide sheet.

Things You'll Need

• Slide sheet
• Two or more people

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Instructions

• 1

  Roll one side of the slide sheet half way. With one person at the bedridden person's hips and shoulders, roll him onto his side. Place the rolled side of the sheet up against the person's back and roll him onto his back. Move to the opposite side of the bed and roll him onto his opposite side. Unroll the slide sheet until it is flat, and move the person onto his back on the sheet.

• 2

  Move the bedridden person up in the bed using the slide sheet. With one person standing on each side of the bed, grasp the sheet with one hand at the patient's hips and the other at his shoulders. Use a count of three and together pull him up toward the head of his bed. If the bed is adjustable, raise it to your waist height before you use the slide sheet, to reduce bending.

• 3

  Slide a bedridden person from one surface to another using the slide sheet. Bring the bed or stretcher up against the bed in which the person is laying. With one person standing at the person's head and one at his feet, grab the slide sheet. On the count of three, slide him over to the other surface. If you cannot position yourself at each end of the bed, slide him by reaching across the stretcher, grabbing the slide sheet and pulling the patient toward you onto the stretcher.