 |
Dear
Denise:
Transferring an anesthetized patient requires special care, and transfer of a patient following surgery requires yet another dimension in care and special preparation. The surgical patient's situation may become more complex as a result of the presence of IV tubing, intubation tubing, and possibly wound-related precautionary measures. Assuming you have taken those precautions into consideration and protected the patient against risk of additional injury, in general you will want to select a full body sling or lift sheet that provides maximum support to the patient's entire body including the head. Log roll the patient into position to enable placement of the sling or transfer sheet per the manufacturer's instructions. When the lift begins, perform a 'pre-lift' test by partially lifting the patient. Once the straps are taut, but while the patient's weight is still on the surface of the bed, check all connections as well as placement of the sling at all points of the patient's body. Complete the lift and move the patient into position over the bed as gently as possible. Lower the patient into position on the bed and log roll to allow removal of the sling.
Stay safe.
The Lift Doctor.* |
