How to Use a Patient Lift Sling

A patient lift sling allows healthcare professionals to move patients from a bed to a chair, or vice versa, when the patient is physically unable to do so. The lift sling stops people from having to strain their backs moving people who can weigh as much as or more than they do. The device is easy to operate, but mishandling it in any way can result in an injury to the patient being transported on it.

Things You'll Need

• Assistant

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Instructions

• 1

  Check the patient's vital signs and determine his or her capacity for movement by lift sling. Explain to the patient what you're doing and maintain eye contact with the patient at all times so that you're aware of any signs of stress.

• 2

  Move the lift sling and a wheelchair near the patient's bed.

• 3

  Stand on one side of the bed and have your assistant stand on the other side of the bed.

• 4

  Turn the patient on his or her side with the chest facing the assistant on the other side of the bed.

• 5

  Slide the lift sling under the patient and then turn the patient so that his or her back is on the lift sling.

• 6

  Turn the patient toward you and have the assistant pull the lift sling out from under the patient on the other side of the bed.

• 7

  Turn the patient on his or her back.

• 8

  Push the lift close so that the horseshoe bar is under the bed.

• 9

  Release the hydraulic valve on the lift bar to lower the bar so you can connect the lift sling to it. Lock the valve when it's low enough.

• 10

  Attach the short sling straps (or chains) to the top of the sling and attach the long sling straps to the bottom of the sling.

• 11

  Put the patient's arms across his or her chest and pump the hydraulic handle to raise the patient off the bed. Have the assistant serve as a spotter to ensure that the patient doesn't fall.

• 12

  Slowly turn the lift around and situate the patient over the wheelchair with the horseshoe bar around the wheels.

• 13

  Release the hydraulic valve slowly to lower the patient into the chair. Close the valve when the patient is comfortably in the chair.

• 14

  Disconnect the sling straps and move the lift away from the wheelchair.

• 15

  Check the patient's vital signs and adjust the patient for comfort.