How to Use a Sling Type Patient Hoist

A sling hoist is used to safely move patients from one place to another when they are unable to do so themselves. Using a hoist can be dangerous for the operator and the patient, so specialized training must take place before one is used. It takes very little physical effort to move someone when using a sling hoist.

Things You'll Need

• Training
• Sling hoist
• Patient

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Instructions

• 1

  Discuss with the patient exactly how the hoist works. Explain each step of the process for getting him into the sling and out of bed. Make sure he understands what his part is in the process. Raise the bed to its highest position.

• 2

  Fold the sling in half length-wise, and roll the patient onto her side. Place the sling under the patient and roll her onto her back. Make sure she is comfortable with what has taken place so far. Roll her to the other side, unfold the sling and roll her onto her back again. She should now be centered on the sling.

• 3

  Move the hoist into position. Lower the lift for easy attachment of the sling. Raise the lift with the patient in the sling and steer the hoist away from the bed. Lower the patient until his feet touch the base of the hoist. The patient's legs should be straddling the mast.

• 4

  Steer the patient to the intended destination and repeat the process in reverse. Make sure the patient is comfortable in his new position and put the hoist away.