The Positioning Sling Bariatric, is used to:
- Turn a patient
- Transfer a patient from a bed to trolley
- Lift a patient while the bed sheets are changed
Although this is designed for bariatric people, it is also very useful for patients who weigh well under the maximum weight of 500kg / 1,100lb.
To Use
The suggested method below is a guide only. Your Manual Handling Trainer may alter our guide for individual patients, staff or the type of Hanger/Spreader Bar.
Place the Positioning Sling on the empty bed with the Red Webbing at the head end of the bed. There is red stitching sewn at both ends of the Positioning Sling, indicating the middle of the Sling. To position the Sling under the patient:
- Log roll the patient
- Use another standard Lifting Sling to lower the patient on to the Sling on the bed
Adjust the length of the Lifting Straps to suit the Hanger Bar and the size of the patient. All the Lifting Straps should have the same tension. After doing this adjustment, you may not need to change it again unless the Hoist or patient are different. When first lifting, make sure all the Straps are lifting equally and if necessary, make some more adjustments. Remember to make sure the patient’s head is held correctly and is comfortable. Some facilities may place a pillow under the head, so it is lifted up by the Sling. It is more comfortable if the patient crosses their arms on their chest when lifting.
Sometimes it may be necessary to reposition the patient nearer the side of the bed, to allow room for them to turn onto their side. Use the Lifting Straps on both sides to lift the patient to the side of the bed and lower the Hoist. It may be easier to move the empty bed, compared to pushing a Hoist holding a bariatric patient. If the Hoist does not lift high enough, lower the bed so the Hoist & Sling takes the patient’s weight. When preparing to turn to their side, leave the Lifting Loop connected on the opposite side to the direction of the turn and remove the Lifting Straps on the side the patient will turn to. Spread the Sling out so it is not bundled up under the patient after they have been turned. Remember to move the patient’s arms and legs into position before turning, then raise the Hoist to turn the patient. Pelican make Bariatric Bed Wedges to help keep patients on their side. Once the patient is on their side or even if on their back, then the Lifting Straps are removed from the Hanger Bar. The Lifting Straps can be stored in the pockets sewn to the webbing. These are provided so the Lifting Straps do not hang down the side of the bed, as they may become caught up when the bed is raised and lowered, or even be a tripping hazard.
If you lift with the brakes off, the Hoist may creep forward until the spreader bar is directly above the patient. If the brakes are on when lifting, the patient can be dragged towards the Hoist. They may then possibly swing excessively from it. When lowering with the brakes off, after the webbing has been taken off the hooks, the Hoist can be quickly moved out of the way.
About the Positioning Sling – Bariatric
This product is made using our All Day Sling Material. This material is a lightweight breathable nylon, that is also used in other Pelican products that patients can sleep on. As patients are able to sleep on the Sling, this can save a lot of difficult manual handling. If the material is creased under the patient, a modern pressure relief mattress should allow for this. Using the Sling when sleeping, reduces manual handling a lot as it is easier to turn the patient more frequently to help prevent pressure sores.
The Positioning Sling may also help when cleaning a pannus. By turning a patient to their side, it may be possible to move the pannus to clean under it on one side, and then after turning them to the other side, the rest of the pannus can be cleaned.
If you want to use this product in the bath, we can custom-make it in a Blue Mesh material. This material can be ‘pat’ dried with a towel, while the patient is lifted out of the shower trolley bath.
Removable battens are at each end of this Sling to help prevent the material from enclosing the feet and head when lifting. These can be removed if not needed, but can be left in position when washing. We supply spare a batten with the Sling, just in case one gets lost or is broken.
