1. Patient Sling Positioning
After rolling the patient on their side, position the
sling along the full length of the back and head (if a
head support model is being used).
The patient should be rolled into a supine position
so that the sling can be retrieved and pulled out so
that the patient is positioned centrally
(see image).
2. Attaching the sling to the yoke
The lifter should be positioned with the legs open to
full width to ensure maximum area for the patient to
be lifted.
One leg should be positioned adjacent to the patient’s
head and the other underneath the knees of the
patient once their legs have been raised (as shown
in the middle image on this page). The rear castors
should be locked.
It is important to continually communicate with a
patient during floor lifts as they may often be in shock
or disoriented and need reassurance.
3. Lifting the patient
When carrying out a floor lift, the castors should be
locked throughout the lifting procedure. As you begin
your lift and the loops pull tight, check that the patient
is still in a comfortable position and that the head
support (if present) is providing correct support.
If the patient sling position remains correct, the lift
can be commenced. Lift the patient only to a height
needed to successfully transfer to the desired support
surface.
Always try to position the two support surfaces that
the lift is taking place between as close together as
possible to avoid moving the patient over distances in
the sling.
FLOOR
1. Patient sling positioning
Ensure that the patient is ready, then
slowly lean them forward to allow the
sling to be slid down behind the back
until the bottom of the sling is positioned
under the coccyx.
The sling leg straps can now be slid
underneath each thigh, remaining careful
to avoid creasing or bunching of the
fabric. (Check with a health professional
if leg straps should be crossed over
for additional support or separated for
enhanced accessibility for hygiene)
2. Attaching the sling to the yoke
Ensure that the lifter legs are open to
the maximum width and slowly position
it as close to the front of the chair as
possible – be careful to keep the boom
and yoke clear of the patient during this
process.
Once the yoke is at chest height on the
patient the sling loops can be attached
For chair lifts the rear brake castors
should not be used to ensure the lifter
can locate its centre of gravity easily
3. Lifting the patient
Raise the yoke until the loops of the sling
pull tight. Check that the patient is still
comfortably positioned in the sling and
that the head support is in place (if a
head support model is being used).
Lift the patient only to a height needed
to successfully transfer to the desired
support surface.
Always try to position the two support
surfaces that the lift is taking place
between as close together as possible to
avoid moving the patient over distances
in the sling.
CHAIR
Generally, a floor lift is only required in the event of a fall or emergency. Therefore it is
important that a medical professional has assessed the patient and given the all clear
for a lift to be carried out.
