Hydraulic Lifter

| Print |

First Health Medical Supply                       Hydraulic Patient Lifter

Hydraulic patient lifters make it possible for one person to lift and move a patient safely from one position to another with a minimum of physical effort.  These lifters assist caregivers and/or family members with transferring the patient from a bed, wheelchair, automobile, or other location or apparatus.

As with all home medical equipment, proper use is essential to achieve maximum benefit from the product. The individual who provides the hydraulic lifter is experienced in setting it up for your use.  Although some minor adjustment may become necessary, correctly setting up the lifter the first time will prevent the possibility of injury.

Carefully follow the following recommendations and instructions for using the hydraulic lifter unless you have been instructed otherwise by your physician or therapist.

Lifting a Patient From The Bed or Floor 

Begin with the bed’s side rails up and locked.

1. Stand beside the bed and lift the patient’s distant leg and bring it across the one nearest you.  Then, carefully roll the patient toward you onto his or her side.
2. Lay the sling/seat on the bed lengthwise behind the patient so that the lower edge of the sling is just below the knees.  Fold the half of the sling nearest you into an accordion or “S” fold, leaving the other half flat.
3. Carefully roll the patient on to his or her back, then slide your hands under the patient and pull the folded part of the sling out toward you.  Flex the patient’s knees with a pillow.  If the patient is in a hospital or adjustable bed, first elevate the foot section a little to flex the knees then elevate the head.
4. Move the lifter into position with the base under the bed and the lift arm directly above the patient.  Then open the hydraulic valve and press down on and lower the arm.
5. Insert the open end of the “S” hooks on the shorter chains into the holes on the top of the sling and those on the longer chains into the holes on the bottom.  Be sure that the ends are seated completely and that they are pointing away from the patient.  Hook the closed end of the “S” hooks into the ends of the swivel bar.  Again, be sure they are seated completely.
6. Close the hydraulic valve and pump the handle to begin the lift.  When the patient’s buttocks are clear of the bed, carefully swing him or her around to face the mast on the lifter.  Roll the lifter away from the bed. 

Note:

• If the patient is being moved any distance in the lifter, slowly open the hydraulic release valve to lower the patient until the feet rest on the base of the lifter.  Maneuver the lifter with the steering handles.
• Basically the same procedure is employed when lifting a patient from the floor.  Before lifting the patient from the floor, however, determine (1) whether there are any injuries that can be aggravated by the lifting procedure, and (2) and if the head needs support during the lift.

Follow the steps above to position the patient in the hydraulic lifter:

1. Pump the hydraulic handle to raise the patient until the buttocks are slightly higher than the seat on the wheelchair.
2. With the patient facing the upright mast on the hydraulic lifter, position the wheelchair directly beneath him/her and apply the locks securely on the wheelchair.
3. Lower the lift arm by slowly opening the hydraulic release valve while gently pushing the patient toward the back of the chair.  Lower the arm far enough to be able to release the chain hooks.

 Obviously, this same procedure works for transferring the patient to most any other type of furniture.

Transferring to and From Automobiles 

Transferring patients to and from an automobile follows the same general lifting procedures as described above.  But, note the following in regard to automobile transfers: 

1. It is recommended that you use the straight swivel bar rather than the regular V-shaped standard bar: and, the special purpose two-piece seat and back are generally more efficient than the standard sling seat. 
2. Raise the patient so that the head just clears the top of the car door.  Use your hand to protect and guide the patient’s head under the opening. 
3. Rotate the patient so that he or she is facing the front of the vehicle and lower into position.  Unfasten the hooks from the sling/seat.
4. Disassemble the lifter as follows: (1) detach the swivel bar from the lift arm, (2) open the hydraulic valve and press the lift bar to its lowest position, and (3) remove the mast/lift arm assembly from the base socket.  Place the base upside down in the truck first, then place the remaining parts on top.  

Note:

• Before transferring the patient out of the vehicle, be sure the bottom edge of the sling is properly positioned just behind the knees.

Important Reminders

• Never exceed the maximum weight limit for any patient lifter or sling.  When determining which lifter to acquire, always allow a margin of safety in weight capacity. 
• Make certain the patient can be safely lifted with the mechanism.  Severely handicapped, spasmodic, or otherwise debilitated patients who cannot assist at all in the process require special attention.
• Proper sling placement is necessary for safe lifting.  The bottom edge of the sling should be placed immediately below the bend of the knee.  The short chains fasten to the top of sling, and the long chains to the bottom. 
• Do not use the caster friction locks with the patient in the lifter.  Use these locks only for storing, parking, or assembling.
• Special sling seats are not designed for general use.  Two-piece slings and those with optional openings (e.g., for toilet use) are for special purposes only.     

 If you have received instructions from your physician or therapist that differ in any way from the above information, follow those instructions explicitly. If you experience any functional problems with this product, discontinue use and call your First Health Medical Supply office for assistance.