ALBACMAT
User Guide
Note: This guide is not a training manual. It has been designed to assist personnel in the safe use of the AlbacMat
and needs to be assessed in line with the manual handling and cross infection policies in place within your
organisation. Any manual handling techniques used within this information are merely suggested methods to
move non ambulant persons in an emergency. It is accepted that there may be other more appropriate
alternatives on some occasions and within slightly different environments.
Transfer from a chair.
Position the AlbacMat long ways on the floor in front of the
chair/wheelchair - ensure the brakes are put on and foot plates are
removed if transferring from a wheel chair.
Carer1 supports user’s legs and guides the legs towards the end of
the AlbacMat. Carer2 kneels on the AlbacMat in front of the
chair/wheelchair at the opposite side to Carer1 and encourages the
user to lean forward from the back of the chair.
With flat palms of hands on users hips, Carer2 carefully shuffles
their bottom forward in the chair/wheelchair and slowly guides the
user`s hips round towards the front edge of the chair/wheelchair.
Carer1 stays close behind user and moves into a low kneeling
position as user slides from the chair/wheelchair to the AlbacMat,
providing support for the user’s upper body. Carer2 adjusts the
position of the legs and feet of user.
Both carers then help lay user flat on the AlbacMat ensuring that
they are laying centrally on the Mat with feet placed within the foot
pocket. The AlbacMat is now ready to be fastened up – See
Transferring from a bed/floor.
Preparing the AlbacMat.
To release the AlbacMat from its self-contained bag, hold the
AlbacMat by the yellow hi-vis handle, with the logo facing away from
you, release the blue fastening strap and “throw out” the Mat –
ensuring that keep hold of the hi vis handle. Once the AlbacMat has
been released it is ready for use.
Transferring onto the AlbacMat.
There are various methods of transferring the individual on to the
AlbacMat, depending upon where they are at the time of evacuation,
this includes transfer while in bed or a chair/ wheelchair - all
methods require a minimum of two carers/ handlers – the text
below suggests these methods.
Transfer from a bed/ floor.
To perform a transfer on to the AlbacMat it is essential that this is
done working in pairs, one either side of the bed, to prevent the
user from rolling off the bed and if time allows it is recommended
carers work with the bed at a suitable height.
If transferring from a bed, firstly remove all pillows and covers from
the bed and wrap the user in the bottom bed sheet.
Log roll the user on to his/her side, ensuring that they are
continually supported by one carer.
