Tips on using a mechanical lift
Country Nurses Inc. of Grand Saline, TX, offers these mechanical lift guidelines for aides:
1. Ask another health care worker to assist you.
2. Explain what you are going to do to the patient, wash your hands, and gather needed equipment.
3. Place the wheelchair next to the bed with the back of the chair in line with the headboard.
4. Turn the patient from side to side, with the log-rolling technique, while sliding the sling under the patient.
5. Attach the sling to the mechanical lift (with the hooks in place) through the metal frame.
6. Have the patient fold both arms across the chest, if possible.
7. Lift the patient out of bed by turning the crank.
8. Have the other person guide the patient’s legs.
9. Lower the patient into the wheelchair or other as appropriate.
10. Remove the hooks from the frame, and leave the sling under the patient for use when lifting him or her back into bed.
11. When finished, assess your patient’s position, safety, and level of comfort, then wash your hands.
Remember:
• Respect a patient’s privacy.
• Follow standard precautions.
• Adhere to back safety precautions.
• Always explain your actions to the client.
You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
- Award-winning Medical Content
- Latest Advances & Development in Medicine
- Unbiased Content