Gait Belt Instructions

A gait belt can be the difference between a patient in the chair and a patient on the floor. The belt must be used at all times when transferring a patient. It provides support and safety for both the patient and the healthcare worker. Without the belt to hold on to, the patient may literally be hanging in the balance.

Putting the Belt on a Patient

• With the patient sitting upright, encircle the belt around his waist, bringing the latch to the front with the teeth facing outward. Feed the belt through the teeth and pull until there is a tight but not uncomfortable fit. A good fit is when there is just enough room to fit two fingers underneath it. Pull the remainder of the belt over the teeth and through the buckle, as you would with your own belt buckle. If your patient is female, do not fasten the latch over her breasts. Never fasten the belt under clothing. Before you put the belt on, tell your patient that you will be using it, and reassure him that it will be removed as soon as the transfer has been completed.

Putting the Belt on a Patient in Bed

• Assist the patient into a flat, horizontal position on her back. Inform the patient that she will be turning her body to the right and instruct her to grab the bed bar and help you. Together, turn the patient's entire body so that it is resting on his right-hand side. Quickly but gently place a portion of the belt down where the patient previously had been lying and slightly under her torso. Do not crumple the belt; lay it flat. Roll the patient back and help her roll to the left in the same manner as before. Pull the remainder of the belt out until the latch will meet in the center. Roll the patient to her back as before and fasten the belt.

Using the Belt to Assist the Patient's Walk

• Once the belt is fastened, assist the patient into a standing position, using the belt as a grip to help him to his feet. Tell the patient to walk normally, using the belt as guide and balance and as a safety precaution should he begin to fall.

Warnings

• Never fasten a twisted belt. Never fasten the belt so tight as to cut off air or blood flow. Never fasten the belt over bare skin. Never pull the belt so quickly as to cause fabric burns.

  Always use the belt when transferring a patient. Always tell the patient you will be using the belt and that you will remove it as soon as the transfer has completed.