BHM SLINGS Operating and Product Care Instructions rev 8 May 2008

CONTENTS General 1 Resident/Patient Handling Guidelines 1 Sling Warranty 1 Safe Working Loads 1 Sling Safety Inspection and Care 1 How to Conduct a Visual Inspection 1 Laundering Instructions 2

Monthly Visual Safety Inspection Record 3 Monthly Visual Safety Inspection Record 3 Important Notice 3

Sling Fit 4 Sling Material 4 To Fit a Sling on a Person Laying on the Floor or in a Bed 4 To Fit a Sling on a Seated Position Person 5 Waist Size 5 Thighs Size 5 Choosing the Proper Loops 5

Lifting a Resident/Patient 7 Lifting from a Seated Position 7 Lifting from a Bed 10 Lifting from the Floor 13

Limb Sling 15 Hammock and Hammock 6 Sling 17 Hygienic Sling 20 Quick-Fit Sling 22 Band and Chest Harness Sling 24 Total Transfer Harness 26 Combi Sling 28 Repositioning Sling 30 Soft Stretcher Sling 32 Universal Stretcher 34 Morgue Transfer Device 36 Walking Sling 38 Summit Harness 39 Sling Compatibility Chart 41

I

General Resident/Patient Handling Guidelines

instructions. To ensure warranty, the slings must be used only on appropriate BHM Medical Inc. resident/ patient lifting devices.

We received many inquiries regarding correct resident/patient handling policies and the number of staff that should assist when transferring residents/ patients. There are many factors that contribute to make an informed decision that results in safe handling and transferring of residents/patients using patient handling devices.

Safe Working Loads All BHM Medical slings are manufactured and tested to established ISO standards. Care should be taken to ensure the lift and the sling selected for the job at hand have the lifiting capacity to accomplish the task, since the capacity of the mechanical lift may differ from the capacity of the sling.

While our patient lifts are designed to be operated by a single caregiver, we strongly recommend that two attendants be present, particularly with difficult residents/patients, to ensure a safe transfer.

Sling Safety Inspection and Care BHM Medical slings are especially designed for ceiling lifts, floor lifts and accessories made by BHM Medical. They are not interchangeable with other manufacturers slings. To ensure safe resident/patient transfers, use only BHM Medical manufactured slings with your BHM Medical Lift.

Our lifts are designed for transfers over the shortest possible distance. Although many facilities deem patient lifts appropriate for transporting residents/ patients, we recommend for reasons such as patient dignity that the transport of residents/patients be limited. Of course the final decision is that of the facility assessment team. It is the responsibility of each facility, not BHM Medical, to establish their own resident/patient handling policies, procedures and protocols.

Due to the nature of their use it is imperative that a resident/patient transfer sling be inspected prior to each use. A documented monthly inspection program should be established to formally inspect all slings to ensure the safest possible transfer of a resident/ patient.

In our opinion, this would include written assessment and reassessment procedures that are developed by a team that may include the Nursing Director and/or appropriate nursing staff and assistants, Physical therapist, Physicians, Facility Safety Committee and/ or Risk Manager and Administration.

Numerous factors impact the life span of a resident/ patient transfer sling and they are so varied that a sling should be taken out of service after 2 years. This 2 years’span is a guideline for the useful life of a sling and, in fact, it may be shorter or longer depending on how the slings condition is affected by the number of washings, washing temperature, detergents, disinfectants, frequency of use, resident/patient weight and/or numerous other factors. Currently there is no method to measure the strength of a sling once it is put into service and has been laundered multiple times, without damaging the sling itself. BHM Medical manufactures all of our sling models to the highest standards and under ideal circumstances it will provide many years of service.

This team decides resident/patient handling protocols along with the appropriate resident/patient handling device. BHM Medical therefore accepts no responsibilities or claims regarding a facility application of a lifting device or lifting accessory. We can provide guidelines to assist the individual facility in establishing their own specific resident/ patient handling protocols and provide information on the assessment process. BHM Medical produces a wide variety of resident/patient lifts, some of which are multipurpose while others perform a dedicated task.

With this in mind, BHM Medical has developed a set of visual guidelines to assess the safety of a sling currently in use. Any visual inspection is a subjective evaluation and therefore can never be considered a guarantee of a sling’s safety. It will however dramatically reduce the risk of failure.

Sling Warranty BHM Medical Inc. warranties all washable models of our resident/patient lifting slings for one year against manufacturers defects provided that the slings are used for the purpose intended,washed, dried, maintained and safely checked according to care labels and the visual inspection described in these

How to Conduct a Visual Inspection 1

1

Lay sling out on a flat surface so that all areas of the sling are visible.

General Check all loops at their connection/stress points. Twist these with your fingers and look for any signs of fraying. See the accompaning diagram of a common sling to assist you in locating loop points and other key areas (see figure below).

Laundering Instructions

3

Check the stitching of the entire sling, look for any fraying or loose stitching.

•

4

Check the sling for heat damage. This may be detected as an over all shrinking of the sling or may be noticed on the padded leg section and be identified by a shrinking or scrunching of the leg portion. Additionally, heat damage may be found on other areas by noticing a brittle or ridged/stiff feel to the fabric.

5

Check the body of the sling for any rips or holes.

6

Check the sling for signs of exposure to bleach. This may be suspected if there is fading of the sling ID labels. Reject any sling laundered with bleach.

7

Check the sling for excessive staining. While some staining may occur through use by an incontinent patient other staining may indicate exposure to chemicals.

2

Your laundry staff or service must be made aware of these care instructions as their handling of this sling will have a direct impact on its condition :

• • • • • •

Machine wash in mild soap solution at temperatures below 80 degrees. Never use bleach. Rinse thoroughly. Tumble dry on a « cool » setting. Do not place in contact with a heat source. Do not dry clean. Do not iron.

This care label can be found on all slings manufactured by BHM Medical.

CAUTION : If any anomalies are detected after the sling inspection, or if you have any doubts about the sling safety, as a precaution and to ensure safety, stop using it.

Shoulder Strap Loops

I.D.Labels • Model • Safe Working Load • Care Instructions

Leg strap loops

2

Monthly Visual Safety Inspection Record

Monthly Visual Safety Inspection Record Use this record each time you conduct a safety inspection. Retain this record on file so it can continue to be completed and kept current. Due to the nature of their use it is imperative that a client transfer sling be inspected prior to each use. A documented monthly inspection program should be established to formally inspect all slings to ensure the safest possible transfer of a resident/patient. We suggest using the following Inspection Record:

Inspection Date Year 1

Year 2

Inspected by Year 1

Year 2

Condition Notes Year 1

Year 2

January February March April May June July August September October November December Serial Number : Model Number :

Date the sling was put into service :

Important Notice BHM Medical’s slings are designed to be used only with BHM Medical resident/patient’s lifts. We will not accept any responsibility for use of a BHM Medical sling with any other resident/patient’s lift or transport equipment designed by another manufacturer. This sling is designed and manufactured to the highest possible performance standards and is constructed of synthetic fabrics offering durable service when handled according to the stated instructions. Due to the potential exposure to harsh cleaners, disinfectants or other chemicals as well as washing, resident/patient weight, incontinence, etc., BHM Medical is unable to guarantee the continued integrity of this product under all conditions.

3

Sling Fit Due to the anthropometric variance in our population, and numerous types of medical conditions and situations, the following are meant as guidelines to assist in determining proper sling fit. Whenever there is a question of appropriate sling style for a specific medical condition, consult a physician or medical professional. BHM Medical has staff trainers that can assist in sling choice, fit and application and can provide regular in-service training.

above the sling shoulder attachment point (where the strap connects to the body of the sling), a larger sling or head support sling is recommended (see Figure 1). A larger sling or head support sling is recommended.

Facilities are often concerned with the lifting capacity of a sling. BHM Medical slings are labelled with a “safe working load”. Figure 1

Sling Material BHM Medical manufactures slings from durable synthetic material types. Both of our solid and mesh synthetic fabric will support identical loads. Care instructions are also similar. Our solid material slings are recommended for general use. Mesh material slings are a good choice when the sling will be left under the resident/patient for an extended period of time when bathing.

5

There are three basic components for proper sling fit: •

Resident/patient height;

•

Resident/patient waist size;

•

Resident/patient thighs size.

A smaller sling should be considered.

To Fit a Sling on a Person Laying on the Floor or in a Bed : 1

Bend both of resident/patient’s legs as much as possible while keeping the feet on the bed/floor.

2

Using the resident/patient’s knees and shoulders, log roll the resident/patient away from the primary caregiver so that the resident/patient is laying on their side supported by the other staff member. If resident/patient is in bed, the bedside rail facing the resident/patient should be locked in “up” position.

3

Have the sling folded along the length of the resident/patient so that the interior of the sling folds out, and place it against resident/patient’s back. Place the apex of the sling’s horseshoe at the coccyx of the resident/patient.

4

Now determine where the resident/patient’s shoulders are located relative to attachment straps. If the resident/patient’s shoulders are

If however, the resident/patient’s shoulders are substantially below the sling shoulder attachment point (where the strap connects to the body of the sling), due to a very small and/or thin resident/ patient, then a smaller sling should be considered (see Figure 2).

Figure 2

4

Sling Fit To Fit a sling on a Seated Position Person 1

2

3

4

Hold the apex of the sling’s horseshoe where the centre stripe ends and place the sling behind the resident/patient, care labels to the outside, until you are able to touch the seat of the chair and then have the resident/patient lean back against the sling. Keeping the apex at the resident/patient’s coccyx, pull the remainder of the sling gently upward until the sling is snug. Now determine where the resident/patient’s shoulders are located relatively to the sling shoulder straps (where strap attaches to the body of the sling.) Once the sling is positioned, make sure the attachment points are located relatively to the re-sident/ patient’s shoulders. If the resident/patient’s shoulders are above the shoulder sling attachment points, (where the strap attaches to the body of the sling), a larger sling or “head support” sling is recommended (see Figure 1 on the previous page). If however, the resident/patient’s shoulders are substantially below the attachment points due to a very small or thin resident/patient, then a smaller size sling should be considered (see Fi-gure 2 on the previous page).

Waist Size After determining proper size of the sling, apply the sling around the resident/patient making sure the sling “centre stripe” is centered on the spine.

sling with longer padded leg section may be indicated. This applies to all types of sling with leg straps. Extended padded leg sections are rarely required and are more commonly required for residents/patients with overly large thighs.

Choosing the Proper Loops Specific lift slings manufactured by BHM Medical have a colour code applied to the attachment loops. This coding allows the caregiver to quickly match the left side and right side loops of the shoulder straps and leg straps. For example; loop 2 on the shoulder strap of the right side colour matches to loop 2 of the shoulder strap on the left side. Alternately, loop 2 of the right leg strap colour matches to loop 2 of the left side leg strap. Colour coding of the sling loops can be used to guide your choice of which loops to use when lifting a resident/patient. The following chart indicates the residents/patients position based on loop choice. Choose whichever loop combination gives the most comfortable suspension angle for the resident/patient, bearing in mind the residents/patients ability to support themselves. Using the longest available leg strap loops results in less flexing of the hips. Using shortest available shoulder strap loop creates a more upright sitting position, conversely using the longest shoulder strap loop increases the angle of recline.

If the resident/patient’s body touches or falls outside the edge ribbing of the sling, change to a larger or a wider customized sling. This will prevent skin abrasions and tears as well as minimize the possibility of a resident/patient falling or rolling out of the side of an undersized sling.

Thighs Size After properly fitting the waist, place the leg straps around the sides of the hips and legs, then under the thighs and up between the legs. If the sling has been applied correctly, the resident/ patient’s thighs should only be in contact with the padded portion of the leg strap. If however, the narrow ribbing (extension strapping) of the leg portion is exposed to the skin, skin abrasions and tears may appear. Therefore, a modified

5

Sling Fit SLINGS - THA model

SLINGS- 60000 series model

Resident/patient’s position according to colour straps.

Resident/patient’s position according to colour straps.

6

Lifting a Resident/Patient Lifting from a Seated Position Wheel chair, toilet or chair - ceiling or floor lifts

Step 1 - Install the sling Proper body mechanics and sound ergonomic positioning should be maintained by the caregiver at all times. 1

2

Figure 4

If lifting from a wheelchair, put the wheelchair’s brakes on, not the lift brakes. While standing in front of the resident/patient with the caregiver’s leg between the resident/patient’s knees (for added stability), lean the resident/patient slightly forward onto attendant’s hip or abdomen area for support. Tuck the top part of the horseshoe area of the sling well down behind the resident/patient’s back, as close as possible to the coccyx or seat level, making sure the identification label on the sling is on the outside of the resident/patient. The top of the sling should be resting on the resident/ patient’s shoulders or upper scapular region.

4

Option 1 : Conventional “Bridge” type position: Take leg strap on left of resident/patient, cross it through the right leg strap diagonally in front of resident/patient, and attach it to the right hand spreader bar hook, i.e. to “opposite” hook. Repeat procedure for the right leg strap. The suspended leg straps should now be crossed in front of resident/ patient (see Figure 5).

Ensure that the top centre handle of the sling and the positioning stripe is centered on the resident/ patient’s back (see Figure 3). Lean resident/ patient’s back into chair or wheelchair.

Right leg strap fed over left leg strap.

Figure 3 3

Repeat procedure with other leg portion, securing the sling leg portion around the hip, under the leg, and then looping it between the legs.

From a kneeling/squatting position, the caregiver will gently lift one of the resident/patient’s legs apart and fit the leg portion of the sling around the hip and under and up between the legs. When applying the sling around the hips, ensure that the bottom edge of the leg straps is going to fall beneath the trochanters (big bumps on hips). It is the scooping effect under the pelvis that gives stability and safety to the sling, even when residents/ patients are resistive and/or moving around in the sling. Loop strap outwards over each leg (see Figure 4).

Long leg straps go through short leg straps.

Figure 5

7

Lifting a Resident/Patient Option 2 : “Cradle” type position When a resident/patient is unable to allow for sling straps to fit between the legs, for example a scissored leg resident/patient or a below the knee amputee, use this alternate procedure. Position right leg portion of the sling under both legs and allow it to hang at resident/patient’s left side (See Figure 6).

type of sling application may not be suitable.

Not for all residents/ patients.

Not for all residents/ patients.

Figure 8

Position leg portion of the sling under each leg and looping it up between the legs. Attach leg straps directly onto the spreader bar. Do not criss-cross (See Figure 9).

Figure 6

Attach leg straps directly onto the spreader bar. Do not criss-cross (Figure 7).

Not for all residents/ patients.

Not for all residents/ patients.

Long leg straps fed through short leg straps.

Leg straps are attached directly onto the spreader bar. Figure 9

Figure 7

Option 3 : “Legs opened” type position Use this as an alternative position when the resident/ patient is to be transferred to a toilet or requires “peri” care. This type of placement should not be used with fragile or hip replacement residents/ patients as it tends to pull the residents/patients legs apart. The stability of this type of sling application is entirely based on the resident/patient’s ability to control hip abduction and/or adduction. If the resident/patient does not have this ability then this

8

Lifting the Resident/Patient Step 2 : Lift the resident/patient 1

Move lift toward resident/patient. Adjust spreader bar position so that it is parallel to the resident/patient’s shoulders and is at a height that the sling can be easily attached.

2

Attach right shoulder strap to the right suspension hook on the spreader bar. Repeat with left shoulder strap, using matching loop on left side to ensure the resident/patient will be evenly suspended.

3

Make sure the loops of the sling are securely fastened to the spreader bar and fully inside the safety latches.

4

The resident/patient can now be lifted using the hand control on the lift. Raise the resident/patient enough to not quite clear the chair. To improve comfort, smooth out any wrinkles under the thighs. Make sure the loops of the sling are securely fastened to the spreader bar.

5

Step 3 : Lowering to a seated position

Depress the “up” button on the hand control to continue lifting the resident/patient until resident/ patient is just comfortably clear of the chair. Pull resident/patient away from the area of the chair using the lift. Lower the resident/patient to the minimum suitable height for transferring. If resident/patient needs steadying while in motion (i.e. uncooperative resident/patient), a second caregiver should use one of the side handles on the sling. If a ceiling lift is used, the caregiver may use both hands to steady the sling during the transfer.

. WARNING : The resident/patient’s arms must remain inside the sling at all times to ensure safety.

1

This technique will pay dividends in reducing physical effort. It enables the attendant to avoid the demanding task of post transfer positioning after resident/patient has fully come to rest on the chair. It is a manoeuvre well worth teaching all staff during in-service sessions as it dramatically reduces manual repositioning.

2

First, apply wheelchair’s brakes, then turn resident/patient’s back towards chair. Very slowly lower resident/patient using the remote hand control on lift; the caregiver should be positioned with and behind the resident/patient, steadying resident/patient with one hand on the sling positioning handle.

3

Before the resident/patient touches chair seat, and while resident/patient is still moving downward, grasp the sling handle at the mid-line of the resident/patient’s back (if not accessible, use handles on the sides of sling). Keep elbow at 90° and grip the centre positioning handle with palm facing up while lowering, and guide the resident/patient into a proper seated position. This manoeuvre when done correctly will not cause shoulder strain (see Figure 10). The downward motion of the sling will cause the resident/patient to be lowered back into the chair, correctly sitting at a full 90 degrees (instead of sacral sitting) or as close to 90 degrees as physically possible.

4

Lower spreader bar just enough to allow unhooking the sling straps. Back the resident/patient lift away from resident/patient. Remove sling by reversing installation procedure.

Figure 10

9

Lifting a Resident/Patient Lifting from a Bed Ceiling or floor lifts

Step 1 - Install the sling Proper body mechanics and sound ergonomic positioning should be maintained by the caregiver at all times. Option 1 Lay out sling on bed along side resident/patient with all straps in line with appropriate body part. Log roll resident/patient away from sling. As with all “log roll” procedures, rails on the side of the bed the resident/patient is facing should be in the “up” position.

Figure 11 Option 3 When the resident/patient is cooperative and able to assist the caregiver, the following alternate procedure can be used. Raise the head of the bed placing the resident/patient in a seated type position.

Place one half of the sling, using two full-length folds, as far under resident/patient’s body as possible (See figure 11). Bunch just enough material to ensure that when resident/patient is rolled onto his/her back, the spine is centred on the centre line of the sling. The horseshoe shaped cutout should be as close as possible to the coccyx and the centre sling handle should be near the scapular area. Lower the first siderail and raise the opposite. Roll the resident/patient towards the attendant (“up” side rail ) and onto the sling. Pull sling through halfway and free all straps ready for hook up to resident/patient lift. Allow resident/patient to roll fully onto his/her back. Lower side rail.

Lean resident/patient slightly foward supporting their upper body if necessary. Tuck the top part of the horseshoe area of the sling well down behind the resident/patient’s back, as close as possible to the coccyx or seat level, making sure the identification label on the sling is on the outside of the resident/ patient. The top of the sling should be resting on the resident/patient’s shoulders or upper scapular region (See figure 12).

Option 2 Lay out sling on bed alongside resident/patient with all straps in line with appropriate body part. Log roll resident/patient away from sling. As with all “log roll” procedures, rails on the side of the bed the resident/patient is facing should be in the “up” position. Fold sling in half, lengthwise, with the side that rests against the resident/patient facing out. Fold the sling a second time by grasping the leg strap and shoulder strap on the side away from your body. With one hand at the apex of the horseshoe, place it at the coccyx. With the centre folded placed at the spine (centre of the back), pull the top of the sling closest to you over the resident/patient and roll them onto their back, checking that the sling is properly placed as you do so. Log roll in the opposite direction and pull folded portion of the sling through.

Figure 12

10

Lifting a Resident/Patient Options 1, 2 and 3 Finish installing the sling by gently lifting the resident/patient’s right leg (bend knee slightly if possible) and pull right leg strap from beside the resident/patient around the hip and up between the legs. When applying the sling around the hips, ensure that the bottom edge of the leg straps is going to fall beneath the trochanters (big bumps on hips). It is the scooping effect under the pelvis that gives stability and safety to the sling, even when residents/patients are resistive and/or moving around in the sling. Loop strap outwards under each resident/patient’s leg (See Figure 13).

“Legs opened” type adjustment Use this as an alternative placement when the resident/patient is to be transferred to a toilet or requires “peri” care. This type of placement should not be used with fragile or hip replacement residents/ patients as it tends to pull the residents/patients legs apart.The stability of this type of sling application is entirely based on the resident/patient’s ability to control hip abduction and/or adduction. If the resident/patient does not have this ability then this type of sling application may not be suitable. Position leg portion of the sling under each leg and looping it up between the legs. Attach leg straps directly onto the spreader bar. Do not criss-cross (See Figure 15).

.

Not for all residents/ patients.

Image 13 Figure 15

Conventional “Bridge” type adjustment Take leg strap on left of resident/patient, cross it through the right leg strap diagonally in front of resident/patient, and attach it to the right hand suspender hook, i.e. to “opposite” hook. Repeat procedure for the right leg strap. The suspended leg straps should now be crossed in front of resident/ patient (See figure 14).

Left leg strap crosses right leg strap.

Long straps fed through short straps. Figure 14

11

Long straps fed through short straps.

Leg straps are attached directly onto the spreader bar.

Lifting a resident/patient Option 4

Step 2 : Lift the resident/patient

1

Floor lifts only

This option can be used when resident/patient cannot be transferred using the positions shown previously since the resident/patient is unable to allow for sling straps between legs, for example a scissored resident/patient.

2

Lay out sling on bed alongside resident/patient with all straps in line with appropriate body part. Log roll resident/patient away from sling. As with all “log roll” procedures, rail on the side of the bed the resident/patient is facing should be in the “up” position.

3

Fold sling in half, lengthwise, with the side that rests against the resident/patient facing out. Fold the sling a second time by grasping the leg strap and shoulder strap on the side away from your body. With one hand at the apex of the horseshoe, place it at the coccyx. With the centre fold placed at the spine (centre of the back), pull the top of the sling closest to you over the resident/patient and roll them onto their back, checking that the sling is properly placed as you do so. Log roll in the opposite direction and pull folded portion of the sling through.

4

Pull right leg portion of sling under both legs, and lay it at resident/patient’s left side. Repeat with left leg portion of the sling, laying it at resident/ patient’s right side. The sling is crossed under the resident/patient’s backside (See figure 16). Smooth out any “bunching” under legs.

1

Ensure lift base is closed. Adjust boom to a suitable height, and then push lift base under side of bed and at right angles to resident/patient (floor lift only).

2

Adjust spreader bar so it is just over resident/ patient’s chest area and allows easy hook up of the sling straps. Attach right shoulder strap to the right suspension hook on the spreader bar. Repeat with left shoulder strap, using matching loop on left side to ensure the resident/patient will be evenly suspended.

3

The resident/patient’s arms remain inside the sling at all times.

4

Make sure the loops of the sling are safely fastened to the spreader bar and fully inside the safety latches.

5

Raise resident/patient until just clear of bed. Lift each leg , pulling bottom edge of sling fully under the thigh but not in contact with the area behind the knee to improve comfort.

6

Double check to make sure that the sling straps are secured in the hooks of the spreader bar of the lift. Continue lifting until mattress surface can be comfortably cleared (See figure 17).

Not for all residents/ patients.

Figure 17 7

Figure 16

12

Pull lift away from bed. Lower lift (and resident/ patient) to a suitable minimum height for transferring. The resident/patient should not be pushed/pulled by the sling handles. Pulling the resident/patient with sling handles could result in moving resident/patient’s weight outside the lift base and tipping the lift, especially in the high position.

Lifting a Resident/Patient Step 3 - Lowering onto a bed

5

Raise or lower lift until resident/patient is just high enough to clear bed. Rotate resident/patient into correct position so that head will rest on pillow when lowered. Push lift base under side of bed and into a suitable position for lowering resident/patient onto bed at right angle to bed (floor lift only).

Gently lift resident/patient’s right leg and pull the right leg strap from behind, alongside the resident/patient, under the right thigh and up between the legs. Loop strap over resident/patient’s right leg. Repeat procedure with left leg.

Option 2

Operate lift control to slowly and gently lower resident/patient onto bed, steadying resident/patient if necessary. Continue to lower until resident/patient is supported on bed. Disconnect sling straps from spreader bar hooks on the lift.

Lifting from the Floor Floor lifts

1

When resident/patient is unable to allow for sling straps between legs, for example, a scissored resident/patient, repeat steps from option 1 procedure, except for the last paragraph.

2

Pull right leg strap under both legs, and lay it as resident/patient’s left side. Repeat with left leg strap, laying it at resident/patient’s right side. The sling is then crossed under resident/patient’s back. (see figure 13). Smooth out any “bunching” under the legs.

Residents/patients being lifted from the floor are normally in this position due to a slip or fall. These residents/patients should only be lifted after examination by qualified medical personnel.

Step 1 - Install the sling Proper body mechanics and sound ergonomic positioning should be maintained by the caregiver at all times. Option 1 1

Lay out sling on the floor alongside resident/ patient with all straps in line with appropriate body part. Log roll resident/patient away from the sling.

2

Fold sling in half, lengthwise, with the side that rests against the resident/patient facing out. Fold the upper half of the sling a second time by grasping the leg strap and shoulder strap on the side away from your body. With one hand at the apex of the horseshoe, place it at the coccyx. Push the sling as far under resident/patien’s body as possible. Bunch just enough material to ensure that when resident/patient is rolled back, the spine is aligned on the center of the sling.

3

The horseshoe shaped cutout should be as close as possible to the coccyx area and centre sling handle should be near the scapular area.

4

Roll the resident/patient towards the attendant. Pull sling through halfway and free all straps ready for hook up to resident/patient lift. Allow resident/patient to roll fully onto his/her back.

Figure 18

13

Lifting the Resident/Patient Step 2 : Lift the resident/patient 1

Bring lift to a position close to resident/patient’s feet and in line with the resident/patient’s body, with the lift boom pointing toward resident/ patient’s head.

2

The spreader bar should then be hanging over resident/patient’s chest and the resident/patient legs to one side of the base of lift (see Figure 19).

Figure 20 9

Continue raising resident/patient until feet can clear the base of lift. If appropriate, turn resident/ patient in direction of travel (See Figure 21).

10 Lower boom to a suitable height for transferring. 11 If resident/patient needs steadying while being transferred, hold one of side handles on sling but take care not to push or pull resident/patient with the sling handles.

Figure 19 3

Lower spreader bar as low as possible, close to chest area.

4

Take leg strap on left side of resident/patient, cross it diagonally in front of resident/patient, and attach it to the right hand suspension hook, i.e. to“opposite” hook. Repeat procedure for left leg strap.The suspended leg straps should now be crossed in front of resident/patient.

5

Attach the long right strap to the right spreader bar hook, which is next to the resident/patient’s head. Repeat procedure for left leg strap. Make sure to use matching loops on both sides to ensure that the resident/patient will be evenly suspended.

6

The residents/patients arms remain inside the sling at all times.

7

Make sure the loops of the sling are securely fastened to the spreader bar and fully inside the safety latches.

8

The resident/patient can now be lifted. Raise the lift until resident/patient is almost clearing the floor and smooth out any “bunching” under the body to improve comfort (see Figure 20).

Figure 21

14

Limb Sling Description This sling is especially designed for use with BHM Medical floor lifts and ceiling lifts. Easy to use, the limb sling supports the resident/patient’s limb without any help of the caregiver. It also provides an easy access to the resident/patient’s lower limbs for dressing and hygienic cares.

Limb Sling

Part number and model 300.20005 - Limb sling A: 58.5 cm/23 in B: 20.5 cm/8 in C: 38 cm /15 in

Sling Application 1

Place the sling under the resident/patient’s limb.

2

Fix the sling to a hook spreader bar.

3

Lift up the resident/patient’s limb to the desired level.

15

Features - Limb Sling

Features of Limb Sling Characteristics

Benefits

Padded and quilted polyester fabric

Specially designed fabric is ultra-soft, long lasting and provides extra comfort for the resident/patient.

Strong nylon straps with positioning loops

Resident/patient’s position can be adjusted slightly depending on need. Provides flexibility for comfort.

136 kg (300 lb) safe working load

Very strong and durable. Ensures resident/patient’s safety.

Machine washable

Easy to clean and care for.

One size

Fits 95% of residents/patients.

16

Hammock and Hammock 6 Slings Description

Hammock 6 Sling

The Hammock and Hammock 6 are total lift slings designed for use with BHM Medical ceiling and floor lifts. The sling provides full head and neck support and double thigh padding for comfort.

C

B

There is a six strap option for safety or for use with non-cooperative/agitated residents/patients. This sling is made of a quick drying mesh fabric. That makes it ideal for bathing as well as general transfers.

A

Hammock Sling C D B

A Part number and model THA6-S - small Hammock 6 sling (recommended for users 20 to 45 kg / 45 to 100 lb) A: 106 cm/42 in B: 76 cm/30 in C: 66 cm/26 in D: 23 cm/ 9 in

D THA6-M - medium Hammock 6 sling (recommended for users 45 to 90 kg / 100 to 200 lb) A: 125 cm/49 in B: 94 cm/37 in C: 86 cm/34 in D: 28 cm/11 in

Part number and model THA-S- small Hammock sling (recommended for users 20 to 45 kg / 45 to 100 lb) A: 106 cm/42 in B: 76 cm/30 in C: 66 cm/26 in D: 23 cm/ 9 in

THA6-L - large Hammock 6 sling (recommended for users 90 to 272 kg / 200 to 600 lb) A: 145 cm/57 in B: 106 cm/42 in C: 97 cm/38 in D: 28 cm/11 in

THA-M- medium Hammock sling (recommended for users 45 to 90 kg / 100 to 200 lb) A: 125 cm/49 in B: 94 cm/37 in C: 86 cm/34 in D: 28 cm/11 in

Sling Position Seated position 1

THA-L- large Hammock sling (recommended for users 90 to 272 kg / 200 to 600 lb) A: 145 cm/57 in B: 106 cm/42 in C: 97 cm/38 in D: 28 cm/11 in

17

Align centre of sling with resident/patient’s spine. Base of sling (top of the “arch”) must be at the coccyx.

Hammock and Hammock 6 Slings Supine Position 1

Log roll resident/patient and fan fold sling aligning centre of sling with resident/patient’s spine. Base of sling (top of the “arch”) must be at the base of the spine (coccyx).

OPTION 1 Safest most compatible for residents/patients and recommended for most general transfers.

2

Pull short straps over the hips and under thighs.

Not for all residents/ patients.

3

Cross straps inside each other.

OPTION 2 - Legs opened This method pulls the resident/patient’s legs apart - do not use in the case of fragile or replaced hips. Suitable for hygiene if indicated.

4

Feed the long straps through the short to form a bridge over resident/patient’s legs (See option1).

18

OPTION 3 - Amputee Not indicated for agitated or spastic users. Can provide a comfortable cradle for below the knee amputees.