How To Use A Hoyer Lift Youtube

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The Hoyer Elevator is a mechanical device designed to lift patients safely. Although Hoyer is a make name, it is often used as a generic term to refer to whatever type of mechanical patient elevator. Virtually patient lifts work in a similar fashion, only there are many models, and you should check with the owner's manual, manufacturer, or adept user to see if yours has unusual features. Always familiarize yourself with the lift and practice with empty slings and fully mobile volunteers earlier transferring paraplegics, surgical patients, and other users with limited mobility.

1. one

   Identify the base, legs, and wheels. The lift should have 2 "legs" parallel to the floor, supported past iv wheels. These need to exist stable at all times, so make sure the wheels are tightly attached and do not use the Hoyer elevator on uneven floors.

2. 2

   Move the legs of the lift apart with the spreader handle. A vertical spreader handle (or shifter handle) next to the principal column of the lift can exist pulled to move the legs farther apart or bring them back together. The handle should lock into a slot to keep the legs from moving one time they reach the proper position.

   • Some models may accept a pes pedal instead of a spreader handle.
   • Ever lock the legs to their widest position earlier lifting a patient, and as long as the patient remains in the lift. Declining to exercise so could cause the lift to fall over.

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3. 3

   Annotation the boom and sling confined. At the top of the Hoyer elevator is a long, angled bar called the boom. At the finish of this boom hangs a iv-pronged sling bar, also known every bit a swivel bar. This has 4 or more hooks for attaching the sling that volition agree the patient.

4. 4

   Discover out how to heighten and lower the blast. There are 2 types of Hoyer lifts: transmission (or hydraulic) and powered (or electric). The just difference between these types of lifts is the method used to heighten or lower the boom. Transmission lifts have a pump handle which must be moved up and down repeatedly to heighten the smash, whereas battery-powered lifts accept simple "Up" and "Down" arrows to control the boom.^[one]

   • Find the minor control valve at the base of a manual elevator's pump handle. When the command valve is positioned toward the pump handle, the valve is closed. The valve must be in this position in order for the pump to piece of work when elevating the boom. Proceed pumping until the nail locks into place.^[2]
   • When the command valve is positioned abroad from the pump handle, the valve is open. Gently move the command valve from the airtight to the open up position to control the rate at which the boom lowers.
   • Experiment with raising and lowering the nail before yous put the patient in the lift. It's important to thoroughly familiarize yourself with how the lift works earlier using it to motion a patient.

5. v

   Expect for an emergency release on electric lifts. In case of ability failure, well-nigh electric patient lifts have an emergency release control, which mechanically lowers the patient. Know where this is located and how to operate it. Some models have an inset push which requires a pen to reach, but you should check your lift'due south transmission for specifics.

   • Manual lifts do not have an emergency release, since the lift is controlled by homo ability rather than a bombardment with a limited lifespan.
   • There may be 2 or more emergency releases on your model. Know which is the primary release, and which should only be attempted if the commencement fails.

6. six

   Identify your type of sling. U-slings are the easiest and quickest to apply, and are appropriate for users that can sit upwardly, even slightly. Lifting with a full body sling, or hammock sling, takes more fourth dimension just is required for users that cannot sit up on their ain.^[iii]

   • U-slings are shaped roughly like the letter U, with 2 long extensions running parallel to each other. They are often padded for greater condolement.
   • A full body or hammock sling is one large piece, sometimes with a commode pigsty.
   • Use a sling that provides head and neck support for users who cannot support their own cervix.
   • Brand sure the sling yous use is appropriate to your model of lift. Contact the manufacturer to ask if necessary.
   • Use the advice of a medico to select a sling that is the right size and type for each user, and make it their personal sling. Slings come in small, medium, and large sizes. Familiarize yourself with the dimensions of the different sizes so that you tin can pick the right one for your patient.

7. 7

   Check the sling for defects. Tears, loose stitching, or worn loops could cause the sling to break mid-transfer, possibly injuring yourself or the user. These slings are sturdy, merely you should cheque before each transfer simply in case the sling needs to exist replaced.^[4]

8. viii

   Learn how to attach the sling to the sling hooks. Unlike slings come with a variety of means to adhere them to the sling hooks of the lift, including chains, straps, and loops. Familiarize yourself with these attachment points, using the owner'southward transmission or an experienced user to guide you.

   • If using a sling with hooks, attach them so the open side of the hook points away from the user, to prevent injury.^[v]
   • Understand which side of the sling the patient should sit on, and which is the outside. Consult an expert or the manufacturer if unsure.

9. 9

   Practice proficient lifting technique. The Hoyer lift does most of the work for you, just you volition still need to motility the user in and out of the sling. Yous should follow safe lifting practices to minimize risk of injury. All the tips that apply to lifting furniture or other heavy objects use here equally well.

   • Use your legs to provide strength and stability. Identify them apart and bend at the knees before lifting.
   • Keep your dorsum as straight every bit possible while lifting.
   • Do not twist your body as y'all lift. Position yourself direct in front of where the patient is going so yous do not need to rotate your torso halfway through lifting.

10. ten

    Practice each type of transfer thoroughly earlier performing one on a user. Follow these instructions several times using an empty Hoyer lift, then practise on a volunteer who has total mobility. Exist familiar with each step before yous try to perform a transfer on the intended user, especially lone.

    • If possible, perform your transfers with an assistant who too knows how to operate the lift. Many hospitals crave 2 people to operate the elevator even if they are experienced operators, to reduce the take chances of injury.
    • Even when you're using a Hoyer lift correctly, there's a run a risk yous could hurt yourself or your patient if yous try to practice a elevator past yourself. Go some other person to aid you if at all possible, even if yous're using the lift in a home rather than a hospital setting.
    • Risks of doing a lift by yourself include the patient slipping out of the slings, the weight of the patient causing the lift to tilt, or injury to your dorsum.

11. 11

    Know the limits of your elevator and sling. Consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to discover out how much weight your model of lift and sling can support. Never attempt to elevator a user too heavy for the elevator or sling. Always use the correct sling for the user's needs.

    • Ask about a new user's mobility before lifting and so you know how much they can contribute to the motility. For case, observe out if they are able to sit down up on their ain or hold onto the sling.
    • Use your best judgement when asked to lift a user who makes sudden involuntary movements, has a hostile attitude, or could otherwise cause injury to ane or both of you. Refuse if necessary rather than endangering yourself and the user. Don't try to lift someone who is arguing or physically resisting yous.

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1. one

   Explain each stride of the procedure to the user. Explicate to the user what you are going to do before each action, and why you are doing information technology. Let them know the reason for the transfer if they did not request it, and involve them in every step of the process. Besides showing them respect, this will let them help you in the procedure when they are able.

2. two

   Keep the guard rails up and locked whenever possible if using a infirmary bed. The rail should be up as long as they don't interfere with your admission. You volition demand to move from 1 side of the bed to the other several times if y'all do not have an assistant, but make sure to raise and lock the guard track each fourth dimension before leaving a side. Information technology's fine to temporarily lower the rail if it gives you lot amend admission to the user when assisting them into the sling.

   • Y'all volition need to position the slings under the patient at the elevation and bottom earlier attaching them to the lift. Make certain the slings are correctly positioned and even on both sides before attaching them.
   • Once the sling is attached to the Hoyer lift, raise and lock the guard rails again before lifting. The user may wish to agree onto the guard rails for stability as the lifting begins.
   • Effort a slight elevator off the bed to make sure everything is positioned correctly before yous move the Hoyer lift.

3. iii

   Raise the bed to maximum flat acme if possible. If you lot are using a bed that can drag while remaining flat, elevate it to the maximum height you tin comfortably work on. The higher it is, the less strain volition be put on your back when you assist the user.

4. iv

   Accept the user lie on their back near the side you will be placing the lift. For single and twin beds, they should prevarication in the center. If they are on a queen bed or other large bed, they should lie nearer the side you lot volition transfer them from.

   • The user should not be on the extreme border of the bed.

5. 5

   Remove any excess blankets or sheets from the summit of the patient. Place whatever objects that could make it the way of the transfer on another surface or near the base of operations of the bed. Straighten the patient'due south wear or gown.

   • If the patient feels exposed (e.g., if they are undressed and preparing to go to the shower), leave but a sheet in identify to provide some privacy.

6. half-dozen

   Have the user raise the leg nearest you. Raise the human knee next to you and place the user'south foot apartment on the bed. Tell them that you will be rolling them onto ane side and the raised knee joint will make information technology easier.

7. vii

   Scroll the user onto the side opposite you. Gently concur the raised articulatio genus and the opposite shoulder of the user, then carefully push them onto their side, facing away from y'all.^[vi]

   • If the user cannot stay on their side without support, place a rolled-up towel or similar soft object behind their back to wedge them in place. Alternatively, have an assistant gently concord them in place.

8. eight

   Fold the sling in one-half lengthwise and identify information technology next to the user. The bottom finish should be simply higher up the user's knees and the superlative cease should exist but to a higher place the user'southward armpits.^[7] Make sure that the loops and tabs are on the inside when you fold.

   • Make sure the fold of the sling is next to the user, with the open up side facing away from them.
   • You lot tin can fold the sling, gyre it onto the person's dorsum, or only gently push button information technology into identify.

9. nine

   Roll the user onto their back and then onto their other side. Using the same rolling techniques, roll the user over until they are on their other side, on top of the folded sling.

   • Motion to the other side of the bed if you can't comfortably roll the user from the aforementioned side.
   • If using a wedge, remove it before rolling the user onto their back to avoid discomfort.

10. 10

    Tug gently at the top layer of the folded sling. Pull the sling out to unfold it, and then that it lies flat across the bed. Take care non to position the top of the sling too close to the patient'due south underarms or breasts, particularly if they are heavy-breasted.

11. 11

    Whorl the user onto their back, over the sling. Arrange the user's limbs co-ordinate to the construction of the sling and the user's preferences. The arms should either exist straight and apartment next to the body, or extended out of the way of the sling if the user wishes to place their artillery outside the sling. The legs should be apartment, and either together or slightly apart, according to the design of the sling.

12. 12

    Lock the lift into position nether the user's bed. Check nether the bed for obstructions if the lift won't fit. If you lot need to, narrow the legs using the shifter handle or foot pedal, only always extend them as much equally you can once they are under the bed.

    • The sling bar should be above and parallel to the patient's shoulders.
    • Always lock the wheels of the lift before continuing.

13. thirteen

    Lower the boom until the sling bar is over the patient. Lower it enough that the sling loops will reach the sling hooks, merely non so low that it touches the patient.

    • If you exercise not know how to lower the smash, learn how to do so before using the lift with a patient in it. You lot should e'er be familiar with the elevator earlier transferring someone with limited mobility.

14. 14

    Hook the loops on the sides of the u-sling to the cradle. There may be multiple loops behind the user'southward shoulders so you can choose the loop that fits near comfortably. Ask the user for their input if possible. Using straps, chains, or long sling loops, attach each corner of the sling to the correct hook on the sling bar.

    • For slings with leg loops, cross the leg loops nether the user's legs. Make sure the left loop is reaching across to hook to the right hook, while the correct loop is reaching across to hook to the left hook, and that the hooks are gear up away from the boom of the lift apparatus. This criss-cross helps the user's legs stay together and keeps the user from slipping out of the sling.
    • Some slings include a flap that can be hooked up to help back up the neck and caput. This detachable flap may not be comfy for those that are capable of head command.
    • Keep the open stop of hooks facing abroad from the user to avert injury.

15. 15

    Raise the boom slowly. Make sure the loops are hooked firmly in place, and enhance the boom until the patient lifts a brusk altitude above the bed. Make sure everything is secure and comfortable earlier proceeding.

    • If the lift does not seem secure and comfortable for the patient, slowly lower information technology, make any necessary adjustments, and showtime once more.

16. xvi

    Roll the lift with the sling and user in identify slowly to the new destination. Unlock the wheels of the elevator and curlicue them carefully to the destination. You may need to suit the width of the legs, only exercise not practise so while the blast is being raised or lowered. You should non raise or lower the boom while rolling the elevator.

    • If yous are moving to another room, slowly adjust the swivel bar then the user is facing yous as you move the lift.
    • Position the user carefully, directly over the heart of the new destination (east.g., a chair, a toilet, or another bed).

17. 17

    Lower the boom until the user is positioned comfortably. If transferring to a chair or wheelchair, the user should have their hips equally far back as possible.

18. eighteen

    Unhook the sling loops and remove the sling. Only practise so when the user is fully sitting or lying in the new destination. Gently remove the sling out from under the user and put it in a rubber space.

    • Roll the patient from side to side, and fold and remove the sling if the patient is on a bed or a stretcher. Apply the same rolling techniques yous used to movement the patient onto the slings.
    • Tug gently upwards to slide the sling out from behind the patient if the patient is in a wheelchair or a car.
    • For instance, if you're moving the patient to a wheelchair, tug upwards on the top sling while gently bending the person into a sitting position. Then, reach behind their back and remove the sling. Then y'all tin can gently remove the sling under their legs from below the hip area.

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1. 1

   Explain what you are doing every bit y'all become. Make sure the user knows where they are going, and that you are transferring them into the lift for this purpose. Describe each pace so they know what yous are doing and tin assistance yous to the extent of their ability.

2. 2

   Position the u-sling behind the user. The loops should be facing the front, and the curvation of the "u" at the top. The ends of the "u" are going to criss-cross nether the legs, and so they need to be lowest.

   • If you're transferring someone from a wheelchair, lock the wheels in identify first.^[8]

3. 3

   Shimmy the slings down behind the user. Pull the slings down betwixt the user's back and the chair with short, tugging motions. Make sure that the cease of the cloth makes it down far enough to cover the user'south hips.

   • If the person is in a wheelchair, pull the straps down to their mid-thighs. Cantankerous the leg straps through i another earlier bringing in the lift.^[9]

4. iv

   Bring the lift apparatus over to the chair and widen the legs. The base of operations moves on casters and becomes wider and thinner at the front end below the cradle in order to be able to get closer to the user's position.

   • Open up or close the front of the base of the lift appliance as is appropriate in society to get the cradle straight over the user. Use a foot pedal or shifting lever on the back of the base of operations of the lift apparatus to control the width of the legs.
   • E'er widen the legs as much as possible before lifting.
   • E'er lock the wheels of the wheelchair in identify earlier lifting. Yous can besides secure the chair against a wall or have an assistant stand behind the chair to stabilize it.

5. five

   Hook the loops on the sides of the u-sling to the cradle. There may be adjustable loops for behind the user'southward shoulders then you can piece of work with the user to detect the nigh comfy fit. Claw these loops to the hooks on the swivel bar at the end of the blast.

   • Cantankerous the leg loops under the user'south legs unless they're in a wheelchair. Make sure the left loop is reaching across to claw to the right hook, while the right loop is reaching beyond to hook to the left hook, and that the hooks won't interfere with the motion of the blast. This criss-cross helps the user's legs stay together and keeps the user from slipping out of the sling. Note that non all lifts take this cantankerous-cross—some are straight across.
   • Hook the flap for neck support if the user is non able to hold up their caput. This flap should be left unhooked for users who can concord their heads upward.

6. half-dozen

   Lift the cradle slowly. Lookout man to make sure the loops are well secured. Elevator until the patient is clear of the chair and cheque that everything is secure and comfortable before proceeding.

7. 7

   Scroll the elevator with the sling and user in place slowly to the destination. Unlock the wheels and steer the lift to its new destination. Adjust the width of the wheels if necessary, but only later the nail has been raised to the correct summit.

   • The user should exist facing the mast of the lift.

8. viii

   Lock the wheels in identify at their widest position to a higher place the new destination. Position the user carefully and so they will be comfortable and secure when you lower them into place.

9. 9

   Lower the boom slowly into position. Ever do this using the pump lever, for manual lifts, or the electronic controls, for powered lifts. Make sure the user is comfortable, with the hips as far back as possible if the transfer is onto some other chair.

10. 10

    Remove the sling once the user is secure. Tug gently upwards to slid out the sling if the user is in a chair. If they are lying downwards, coil them gently to i side, fold the sling, then roll them to their other side to remove the folded sling.

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• Question

  How does a person go to the bathroom from a hoyer lift and wipe?

  

  Jurdy Dugdale is a Registered Nurse in Florida. She received her Nursing License from the Florida Board of Nursing in 1989.

  

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• While the patient is in the elevator, y'all will accept admission to their buttocks surface area. This is a adept fourth dimension to exercise any cleaning, suggest that they use the bedpan, or arrange their vesture, depending on the situation.

• If y'all begin a transfer and observe that the patient is uncomfortable, the slings are not securely fastened, or the Hoyer lift is non stable, then cease and return the patient to their original position. Brand any necessary adjustments and try again. Don't move the patient away from their bed or wheelchair until you are sure they are safely positioned in the lift.

• Acquire the possessor's manual to your lift so you know how to fix any mechanical bug that arise, and how to supercede a dead battery for electric lifts.

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• Brand certain all beds, stretchers, wheelchairs and the lift apparatus are locked when y'all are not moving them from i identify to some other during this process. One of these items moving away from another could crusade the patient a potentially dangerous crash.

• Never pull directly on the boom bar to raise or lower it while a patient is in the sling.

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Things You'll Need

• Hoyer Lift
• Sling assigned to the patient past a doctor
• Advisable bed, chair, or other destination for receiving the patient.
• Assistant (recommended for greater rubber, just non required)

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Article Summary X

To use a Hoyer lift to transfer someone from a horizontal position, first yous'll demand to position the sling underneath their torso, which you lot tin practice by rolling them to one side then the other. And then, lock the lift into position, lower the smash with the sling bar over them, and hook the bar up to the sling. Next, raise the boom slowly while you make sure the person is secure. When everything looks adept, gyre the elevator to the new destination. You can then lower the boom, position the person in their new spot, and unhook and remove the sling. For step-by-pace instructions on how to use a Hoyer lift to get someone who's seated out of their chair, scroll downwardly!

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