The Hoyer Lift is a mechanical device that can be used to lift patients.A generic term is often used to refer to any type of mechanical patient lift.You should check with the owner's manual, manufacturer, or expert user to see if your lift has unusual features.Before you transfer paraplegics, surgical patients, and other users with limited mobility, you should practice with empty slings and fully mobile volunteers.
Step 1: The base, legs, and wheels should be identified.
The lift should have two legs parallel to the floor.They need to be stable at all times, so make sure the wheels are tightly attached, and don't use the lift on the floors that are not even level.
Step 2: Remove the legs of the lift with the spreader handle.
A vertical next to the main column of the lift can be pulled to either move the legs further apart or bring them back together.Once the legs reach the proper position, the handle should lock into a slot to keep them from moving.Some models have a different spreader handle.As long as the patient remains in the lift, lock the legs to their widest position.Failure to do so could cause the lift to fall over.
Step 3: You can see the boom and sling bars.
There is a bar at the top of the lift.A 4-pronged is at the end of the boom.There are hooks for attaching the sling to the patient.
Step 4: You can learn how to raise and lower the boom.
There are two types of lifts.The method used to raise or lower the boom is the same.The manual lifts need to be moved up and down multiple times to raise the boom, whereas the battery powered lifts have simple "Up" and "Down" arrows.The small is at the base of the lift's pump handle.The valve is closed when it is positioned near the pump handle.In order for the pump to work, the valve must be in this position.Keep pumping until the boom is in place.The control valve is open when it is positioned away from the pump handle.The control valve should be moved from the closed position to the open one.Before you put the patient in the lift, experiment with raising and lowering the boom.Before using the lift to move a patient, you need to know how it works.
Step 5: You should look for an emergency release on electric lifts.
In case of power failure, most electric patient lifts have an emergency release control that lowers the patient.Know where it is and how to use it.Some models require a pen to reach the button, but you should check your lift's manual for more information.Since the lift is controlled by human power, there is no need for an emergency release.There may be more than one emergency release on your model.If the first fails, the primary release should only be attempted.
Step 6: Pick out your sling type.
Users that can sit up, even slightly, should use U-slings.Lifting with a full body sling takes more time but is necessary for users who cannot sit on their own.U-slings are shaped like the letter U, with 2 long extensions running parallel to each other.They are often padded to make them more comfortable.A full body or hammock sling has a hole in it.Users who can't support their own neck should use a sling.Make sure the sling you use is appropriate.Ask the manufacturer if it's necessary.To make a personal sling, use the advice of a physician to pick a sling that is the right size and type for each user.Small, medium, and large sizes of sling are available.Pick the right one for your patient if you know the dimensions of the different sizes.
Step 7: The sling needs to be checked for defects.
It is possible for tears, loose stitching, or worn loops to cause the sling to break.If the sling needs to be replaced, you should check before each transfer.
Step 8: The sling can be attached to the sling hooks.
Chains, straps, and loops are some of the ways in which different slings can be attached to the lift.Use the owner's manual or an experienced user to help you understand the attachment points.Attach the hooks so the open side of the hook points away from the user to prevent injury.Understand which side of the sling the patient should sit on.If unsure, consult an expert or manufacturer.
Step 9: Good lifting technique can be practiced.
The lift does most of the work for you, but you will still need to move the user in and out of a sling.The risk of injury should be minimized by following safe lifting practices.All of the lifting tips apply here as well.Strength and stability can be provided by using your legs.Before lifting, place them apart and bend at the knees.Keep your back straight while lifting.Don't twist your body as you lift.You don't need to rotate your torso halfway through lifting if you position yourself in front of the patient.
Step 10: Before performing a transfer on a user, practice it thoroughly.
Practice on a volunteer who has full mobility after following these instructions several times.You should be familiar with each step before attempting a transfer alone.An assistant who knows how to operate the lift may be able to perform your transfers.To reduce the chance of injury, many hospitals require 2 people to operate the lift.If you try to do a lift by yourself, you could hurt yourself or your patient.Even if you use the lift in a home rather than a hospital, you should get another person to help you.The risk of injury to your back is one of the risks of doing a lift by yourself.
Step 11: Know the limits of your equipment.
To find out how much weight your model can support, consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer.Don't try to lift a user too heavy.The sling should always be used for the user's needs.If you want to know how much a new user contributes to the movement, ask about their mobility.Find out if they can sit on their own or hold onto the sling.If you are asked to lift a user who makes sudden movements, has a hostile attitude, or could otherwise cause injury to one or both of you, use your best judgement.If necessary, refuse.Don't try to lift someone who is fighting with you.
Step 12: Explain the procedure step by step.
Explain to the user why you are doing it.They should be involved in every step of the transfer process if they did not request it.When they are able, this will allow them to aid you in the process.
Step 13: If using a hospital bed, keep the guard rails up and locked.
If the rails don't interfere with your access, they should be up.If you don't have an assistant, you will need to move from one side of the bed to the other several times.If you can give the user better access to the sling, it's fine to temporarily lower the rail.Before attaching the slings to the lift, you need to position them under the patient.Before attaching the slings, make sure they are positioned correctly on both sides.Lock the guard rails after the sling is attached to the lift.As the lifting begins, the user may want to hold onto the guard rails.Try a small lift off the bed to make sure everything is positioned correctly.
Step 14: If possible, raise the bed to maximum height.
If you use a bed that can elevate while remaining flat, you should raise it to the maximum height you can comfortably work on.The higher it is, the less strain will be put on your back.
Step 15: You will be placing the lift if the user is lying on their back.
They should be in the center for single and twin beds.If they are on a queen bed, lie closer to the side you will take them from.The user shouldn't be on the edge of the bed.
Step 16: There should be no excess blankets or sheets on the patient.
There is a chance that objects could get in the way of the transfer.Straighten the patient's clothing.If the patient feels exposed, leave a sheet in place to provide some privacy.
Step 17: You can have the user raise the leg.
Put the user's foot on the bed by raising the knee next to you.The raise knee will make it easier to roll them onto one side.
Step 18: The user should be on the side opposite you.
Hold the raised knee and the opposite shoulder of the user, then push them onto their side, facing away from you.Place a rolled-up towel or similar soft object behind the user's back to wedge them in place if they can't stay on their side.An assistant can gently hold them in place.
Step 19: Place the sling next to the user by folding it in half.
The bottom end should be above the user's knees and the top end above their bodies.When you fold, make sure the loops and tabs are on the inside.The open side of the sling should be facing away from the user.The sling can be folded, rolled onto the person's back, or pushed into place.
Step 20: Roll the user on their back.
Roll the user over until they are on the other side of the sling.If you can't roll the user from the same side, move to the other side of the bed.Before rolling the user onto their back, remove the wedge.
Step 21: The folded sling has a top layer.
Pull the sling out so that it rests on the bed.Do not place the top of the sling too close to the patient's breasts, especially if they are heavy-breasted.
Step 22: Roll the user over the sling.
The user's limbs should be arranged according to their preferences.If the user wants to place their arms outside the sling, the arms should be straight next to the body or extended out of the way.According to the sling's design, the legs should be either flat or slightly apart.
Step 23: The lift needs to be locked under the bed.
If the lift won't fit, check under the bed.If you need to narrow the legs, use the foot pedal or the shifter handle, but always extend them as much as you can under the bed.The sling bar should be parallel to the patient's shoulders.The wheels of the lift should be locked.
Step 24: The sling bar should be over the patient.
Lower it so that the sling loops reach the hooks, but not so low that it touches the patient.Before using the lift with a patient, you should know how to lower the boom.Before you transfer someone with limited mobility, you should be familiar with the lift.
Step 25: The cradle has loops on the sides.
You can choose the loop that fits most comfortably if there are multiple loops behind the user's shoulders.If possible, ask the user for their input.Attach each corner of the sling to the correct hook using straps, chains, or long sling loops.Cross the leg loops under the user's legs.Make sure the hooks are set away from the boom of the lift apparatus and that the left loop is reaching across to hook to the right hook.The criss-cross helps keep the user out of the sling.The neck and head can be supported with a flap in a sling.The flap may not be comfortable for people with head control.To avoid injury, keep the open end of the hooks away from the user.
Step 26: Slowly raise the boom.
Make sure the loops are in place and that the boom is raised when the patient is above the bed.Before proceeding, make sure everything is secure and comfortable.If the lift doesn't feel right for the patient, slowly lower it, make any necessary adjustments, and then start again.
Step 27: Roll the lift with the sling and user in place.
Roll the lift's wheels carefully to the destination.Do not adjust the width of the legs while the boom is being raised or lowered.While rolling the lift, you should not raise or lower the boom.If you are moving to another room, make sure the user is facing you as you move the lift.The user should be positioned directly over the center of the new destination.
Step 28: The boom should be lowered until the user is comfortable.
If moving to a chair or wheelchair, the user should have their hips back.
Step 29: Remove the sling by unhooking it.
Don't do it when the user is sitting or lying.Put the sling in a safe place after removing it from under the user.If the patient is on a bed or a stretcher, fold and remove the sling.Use the same rolling techniques you used to move the patient.If the patient is in a wheelchair or a car, gently tug the sling out from behind them.If you are moving the patient to a wheelchair, tug upwards on the top sling while bending the person into a sitting position.To remove the sling, reach behind their back.You can gently remove the sling from their legs.
Step 30: Explain what you're doing.
Make sure that the user knows where they are going, and that you transfer them into the lift for this purpose.They can help you to the extent of their ability if you describe each step.
Step 31: The user is behind the U-sling.
The loops should be facing the front and the arch of the "u" at the top.The ends of the "u" are going to cross under the legs.
Step 32: The user is behind the sling.
The sling should be pulled between the user's back and chair.Make sure that the end of the fabric is large enough to cover the user's hips.
Step 33: Lift the chair with the lift apparatus.
The base is thinner at the front below the cradle in order to be able to get closer to the user.To get the cradle directly over the user, open or close the base of the lift apparatus.To control the width of the legs, use a foot pedal or shifting lever on the back of a lift apparatus.Before lifting, widen the legs as much as possible.The wheels of the wheelchair need to be locked.You can either have an assistant stand behind the chair or secure it against a wall.
Step 34: The cradle has loops on it's sides.
You can use the loops behind the user's shoulders to find the most comfortable fit.The hooks are on the end of the boom.The user's legs are crossed.Make sure the hooks don't interfere with the motion of the boom by making sure that the left loop is reaching across to hook to the right hook.The criss-cross helps keep the user out of the sling.Some lifts are straight across.If the user can't hold up their head, use the flap for neck support.Users who can hold their heads up should leave this flap unhooked.
Step 35: Lift the cradle slowly.
Make sure the loops are secured.Lift until the patient is out of the chair and make sure everything is okay.
Step 36: The lift should be rolled slowly with the user in place.
The lift should be unlocked and steered to its new destination.After the boom has been raised to the correct height, adjust the width of the wheels.The mast of the lift should be facing the user.
Step 37: The wheels should be locked in place above the new destination.
When you lower the user into place, position them so they are comfortable.
Step 38: Slowly lower the boom.
Use the pump lever for manual lifts or the electronic controls for powered lifts.If the transfer is onto another chair, make sure the user is comfortable with their hips as far back as possible.
Step 39: Once the user is secure, remove the sling.
If the user is in a chair, gently tug the sling upwards.Roll them to one side and remove the sling if they are lying down.