4.2 Applying the Sling
Sling Application in Sitting Position
1.
Lean the patient forward ensuring that he is well
supported to reduce the risk of falling.
2.
Slide the sling down behind the back of the patient in a
central position using the sliding pocket until the lower
mid marker is aligned with the base of the spine.
Fig. 2a
3.
Lean the patient back against the sling.
4.
Pull the leg support forward along the outside of the
thigh on each side.
Fig. 2b
5.
Pass each leg support under the corresponding thigh.
Sling Application in Lying Position
1.
Turn the patient to the side.
2.
Fold up half of the sling and place it centrally along the
spine.
Fig. 2c
3.
Turn the patient to the other side and unfold the sling.
4.
Turn the patient on its back onto the sling and ensure
the mid-markers are aligned with the spine.
5.
Lift the legs by bending the knees and apply the sling
under the legs.
If the patient has sufficient trunk control and is able
to sit up from the bed or floor, this will ease the
application and steps 1–4 can be performed similar
to applying the sling in sitting position.
Positioning of Patient Arms
The arms of the patient must be placed inside the sling
4.3 Positioning of the Leg Supports
The leg supports can be positioned in different ways
depending on patient conditions or preferences and tasks
to be performed:
•
with crossed leg straps - Fig. 3a
: The leg straps are
crossed one through the other and are attached to the
opposite hook.
Recommended for maximum security as it
reduces the risk of forward pitching and also
maintains a better alignment of the hips and
lower limbs.
•
with uncrossed leg straps - Fig. 3b
: The leg straps
are not crossed and attached to the hook on the
corresponding side.
Recommended when the patient has abdominal
sensitivity or requires intimate hygiene.
•
with outside leg straps - Fig. 3c
: The leg supports are
placed under both thighs so the leg straps run on the
outside of the opposite thigh and are attached to the
opposite hook.
Recommended for amputee and for pressure
relief on the inner thighs.
4.4 Sling Attachment to the Lift
The suspension straps of the sling are equipped with color
coded loops providing different lengths to place the patient
into different positions. Shorter straps at the shoulders
and longer straps at the legs will produce a more vertical
lift, which will assist a transfer into a sitting position. By
lengthening the straps at the shoulders and shortening the
straps at the legs, a more reclined position can be achieved
which is more suitable for a transfer into a lying position.
Match the loop colors of the corresponding straps on each
side of the sling for an even lift of the patient.
Fig. 4
IMPORTANT!
For a transfer into a sitting position, place the
patient as vertical as possible in the sling
1.
Attach the desired loop of each strap to the
corresponding hook on the lift:
a. With 2 connection points attach the shoulder strap
before the leg and the hip strap on each of the
hooks.
Fig. 5a
b. With 4 connection points attach each of the shoulder
straps to an individual hook and attach one hip strap
together with the corresponding leg strap to each of
the other hooks.
Fig. 5b
4.5 Removing the Sling
1.
After completion of the transfer, detach the sling from
the lift.
2.
Reverse the procedure described in
5 Maintenance
5.1 Inspection
Daily Inspection Before Use
Inspection to be performed daily, before use and after each
laundering:
•
Visually inspect the sling and check all parts for signs of
damage, wear or potential failure.
Periodic Inspection
IMPORTANT!
Inspections must be performed by a qualified
person who is well acquainted with the design,
use and care of slings.
A periodic safety inspection of the sling must be performed
at least every 6 months unless otherwise stated in local
requirements.
A detailed safety inspection checklist is available from
Invacare as a separate document.
LOLER Statement
The UK Health and Safety Executive’s Lifting Operations and
Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, require any equipment
that is used in the workplace to lift a load be subject to
safety inspection on a six monthly basis. Please refer to the
HSE web site for guidance www.hse.gov.uk.
The person responsible for the equipment must ensure
adherence to LOLER regulations.
5.2 Cleaning and Disinfection
WARNING!
Risk of injury
Usage of damaged slings can cause the patient to
fall or cause injury to assistants.
– After each laundering, inspect the sling for
wear, tear, and loose stitching.
IMPORTANT!
Regular cleaning and disinfection prevents
contamination.
Clean and disinfect the product
– regularly while it is in use,
– when it has been in contact with any body
fluids,
– before using it for a new user.
60124415-A
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