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5
Lifting to a Sitting Position
When placing a patient in a wheelchair, it is important that the patient gets far enough back in the chair to sit well.
This can be accomplished in several ways.
First connect the upper strap loops to the sling bar,
then the leg support loops. Lift.
Tip:
Check that all suspension loops have the same
length, i.e., are at an equal height when they are
stretched prior to lifting. Adjust the position
of the sling if they are not at an equal height.
Prepare the connection of the leg supports. The most
common way of applying the sling is with crossed leg
supports. For alternative methods, see page 8.
Insert the leg supports under each thigh. Make sure
the fabric lies flat and that it reaches properly around
the leg.
Tip:
The application of the leg supports is
facilitated if the patient’s legs are slightly raised from
the seat. This can be achieved by placing the patient’s
feet on the foot-rests or on your own leg, as illustrated.
When placing a patient in a wheelchair:
Lean
the chair backwards during the lowering of the
patient. Let the buttocks slide down the backrest
during the last part. Control the angle of the
wheelchair with your foot on the tipping support.
Alternative:
Apply slight pressure under the patient’s
knees during the lowering sequence, so that the
buttocks are guided towards the backrest of the chair.
If the sling has handles, these can be used to guide.
Do not use the handles to lift! Excessive force
on the handles can cause the sling to tear.
