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Correct Hoyer Lifting Techniques by Nurses for Children

Hoyer lifts allow caregivers to transfer with minimal effort children who have limited mobility. Hoyer offers both manual and power lifts. The manual lift has a hand pump and hydraulic cylinders while the powered lift uses a rechargeable battery pack and a push-button control. One person can operate the lift after training. The Hoyer lift requires only minor adjustments for use with children.

  1. Sling Selection

    • Use a pediatric sling for lifting children. Using an oversize sling may result in the child's slipping out of the sling during a transfer. Pediatric slings hold children 35 to 100 lb. If the child weighs more than 100 lb., see the manufacturer's guidelines to select the right size. Proper sling selection is the only modification necessary for using a Hoyer Lift with a pediatric patient.

    Sling Placement

    • Pediatric nurses typically use four-point U-slings with children. Fold the leg loops up so that the sling looks like a safety vest. Raise the bed's side rails and put the mattress in the flat position. To place the child on the sling, raise the bed to its highest level to prevent back strain while positioning the child. Roll the child on his side. Tuck the folded sling behind the child's back, and roll him onto his back again. Pull the leg loops forward and under the thighs and then cross the loops.

    Sling Attachment

    • Roll the base of the lift as far under the bed as possible and center the arms over the patient. Attach the sling loops to the proper sides of the arms. The shoulder loops attach to the arms on the same side, while the crossed leg loops attach to the opposite sides. Lower the bed and then the side rails to reduce the distance you need to elevate the patient. Slowly raise the patient until her buttocks are just above the bed. Grasp the child's legs to swivel her until her legs are over the side of the bed. Slowly move the lift away from the bed with the steering handles to a wheelchair or other transport device. Slowly lower the child onto the device. Settle the child securely and remove the loops from the lift, leaving the sling under the child.

    Tips and Warnings

    • Explain the procedure to the child to help alleviate anxiety. Spread the Hoyer base to its widest position before lifting. Always use the steering handles to push or pull the lift: Moving the lift by the boom may cause it to tip over. Face the patient toward the person operating the lift, and center the patient over the base. Use the proper size and type of sling for the child's weight and mobility level. Never exceed the maximum weight limit of the lift or sling. Review you facility's policy and procedure manual before operating a Hoyer lift. Some facilities require two staff members to operate a lift.

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