Transfer Aids

Safe Patient Handling: What Caregivers Need To Know

Safe patient handling is not only important to the patient but to those who are charged with their care. Obviously, keeping the patient safe is paramount to avoid further injury to the patient but also to the caregiver. Doing things in a dangerous or haphazard manner jeopardizes not only the patient, but the caregiver can also suffer an injury. Not only does this put both the caregiver and patient at risk, but it can create an instance when the caregiver may no longer be able to provide services for the patient in their charge. Creating a safe environment for patients and caregivers alike is a matter of paying attention to detail and not taking shortcuts. 

Safe patient lifting techniques and other tips for caregivers can help keep healthcare providers and patients alike safe. HPFY offers a variety of medical aids to ensure this happens. 

Let’s Talk Injuries 

In our day-to-day lives, many simple things can be overlooked as routine or even mundane, but when there is someone providing daily care for a patient, each little detail matters. Since I depend on others for my daily care, I make sure that they have a safe environment to work in, which in turn allows them to handle me in a safe manner. When some of these day-to-day routines are taken for granted the risk of injury rears its ugly head into the equation. The most prevalent injury to a patient is falling, and this can lead to sprains and even broken bones that can become difficult to heal or even lead to bigger health problems. In the same breath, this can lead to a caregiver injuring their back during a transfer that is not performed properly or even falling themselves. 

How to Eliminate the Risk of Patient Transfer? 

Okay, so we now know that falls are the enemy; how do we prevent them from happening? Safe patient handling is a priority for every caregiver, not to mention in the best interest of the patient. Patient lifting techniques and safe patient transfers can be achieved if proper guidelines are followed. To assist with this, caregivers should be fully trained and familiar with different medical aids that can help with safe patient handling. These medical aids may include: 

1. Drive Battery-Powered Electric Patient Lift with Six-Point Cradle 

 Patient transfers can be dangerous if done improperly. This electric patient lift creates a safe environment for both the patient and the caregiver to transfer a patient from a wheelchair to a bed or vice versa. It can be used with four- or two-point slings and is constructed of a heavy gauge frame for durability and safety. This patient lift has a foldable mast for increased portability and storage. Quickly charged from an AC outlet, this patient lift also offers a manual option for safe patient handling at any time.  

2. Indeelift HFL-300 Human Floor Lift For Home Use

Sometimes all a patient needs is a little assistance standing. This patient lift allows caregivers to safely get their charges from a seated position to an upright and standing without the risk of injury. The fixed knee pad studies the patient while utilizing a six-point boom to accommodate any patient. With a 400-pound safe working load, this sit-to-stand patient lift eliminates the underarm discomfort that can be associated with other lifts. 

3. Mabis DMI Wood Transfer Board

When transferring the patient from a chair, commode, or wheelchair, the act of lifting can injure not only the caregiver but the patient themselves. By using this transfer board, the need for lifting is minimized. Simply place under the patient being transferred and slide from one spot to the other. This transfer board is made of maple plywood and coated for smoothness and can handle a weight limit of over 400 pounds. Transfers made safe and easy!! 

4. Sammons Preston Padded Gait Belt

An uneven or unsteady gait can lead to instability that can result in a fall and injury. Sometimes all we need is just a helping hand, and this walking belt allows a caregiver to walk behind or alongside and steady their patient as they walk. This belt incorporates two vertical handles (one on each side) and one horizontal handle on the back to always allow for safe patient handling. Not only will this keep the caregiver safe, but it should minimize any risk of falling. 

5. E-Z Slide TLC Positioning Pad

This two-person positioning pad can safely handle a 250-pound patient with the four sturdy handles, allows for transfers from a bed to a wheelchair, and is made from three different layers. The first two are absorbent, and the third, the bottom layer, is made of nylon to allow for easy sliding and transferring as well as providing additional strength for heavier patients. 

6. Mangar ELK Lifting Cushion

Compact, battery-powered lifting cushion that will lift a fallen person. It is simple and safe, as well as minimizes the risk of musculoskeletal injuries to the paramedic or caregiver. The elk lifting cushion is operated by low air pressure using the Airflo Plus power source. It can then be inflated at the touch of a button with someone supporting the individual from behind to bring them to a raised seated position ready to stand.

As the saying goes, the devil is in the details, and safe patient handling is no different. Cutting corners and taking shortcuts may seem like it saves time, but remember, haste makes waste. By trying to skip steps or cut corners any caregiver now brings the potential for injury into the equation. Safe patient handling means the proper use of the equipment, and a full understanding of the operation is always practiced. Anything worth doing is worth doing right, and safe patient handling is something worth doing properly. 

 

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