Patient Lifts

Standard Product Components

• support base
• wheels
• upper frame
• hoisting mechanism
• sling

What are the Different Types?

This type of patient lift uses a crank to lift and lower patients safely. Manual lifts do not require batteries or power. These hoists do not require much energy due to the gearing mechanisms they employ, but do require cranking.

Examples:

• Hoyer Advance Professional Manual, HOYADVANCEH, 341 pound capacity.
• Medline Manual, MDS88200D, 400 pound capacity.

Power Liftt

Powered lifts are also referred to as electric or battery lifts. They use an electric motor that is either DC/ battery operated or AC operated. Battery powered lifts are rechargeable from an AC outlet. These are larger, but there are also smaller ones, offering easy portability from room to room.

Examples:

• Hoyer Advance Professional Electric, HOYADVANCEE, 341 pound capacity.
• Drive Medical Electric, 13240, 450 pound capacity.

Hydraulic Patient Lift

Hydraulic lifts may be manual or powered that use hydraulic fluid to move the lift. They require less cranking energy, making it very easy to raise the patient. This type has become so popular that they have become the standard.

Sit To Stand Lift

This patient lift serves as an aid in transitioning the patient from a sitting to a standing position. Sometimes referred to as "Stand-Up lifts" these devices use straps or belts. The individual uses their own strength to pull themselves up into position. Most have minimal width to allow passage through narrow doorways. Most of these are smaller and weigh less than a standard lift.

Examples:

• Graham-Field Stand Assist, LF1600, 400 pound capacity.
• Invacare Get-U-Up, GHS350, 350 pound capacity.

Heavy-Duty Lift

Also know as bariatric lifts, they are designed to accommodate individuals weighing more than 500 pounds. They are constructed with heavy gauge steel and built extra wide. The casters are larger and stronger to support heavier loads, too. Some fold for easy storage and come equipped with a 6-point cradle for increased stability.

Examples:

• Drive Medical Heavy Duty Bariatric, 13244, 600 pound capacity.
• Medline Powered Base 700, JBS802, 700 pound capacity.

Pool Lift

Disabled or handicapped individuals who want to get in and out of a swimming pool can use a waterproof, pool side lift. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) specify the requirements for these lifts.

Examples:

• Power EZ,F-03PEZ, 400 pound capacity.
• Pro Pool Lift, F-004PLB-AT1, 450 pound capacity.

Bath Lift

Waterproof bath lifts assist mobility impaired individuals to get in and out of a bath tub. They are often placed into the tub with suction cups on the bottom to keep the lift in place. The patient sits on the bath lift and is easily lowered into or out of the tub. Many of these bath hoist are portable and disassemble/assemble without tools. Upon dis-assembly, they are easily stored out of the way until needed.

Examples:

• Body Up Evolution, BU1000, 220 pound capacity.
• Drive Bellavita Auto Tub Chair, 477200432, 300 pound capacity.

Wheelchair Lift

These are mini elevators that allow a wheelchair patient to go from one level to the next. They are used to traverse difficult pathways, platforms or porches. These hoisting devices use electrical power to operate and require regular maintenance. They are usually controlled by a electrical control box or a remote. Another type of wheelchair lift is a wheelchair transfer device that lifts the individual off or on a wheelchair seat. Wheelchair patient lifts provide for a smoother and easier transition from or to a wheelchair. This type of lift requires very little maintenance.

Examples:

• Homecare Products Passport, PL52SP3651, 72 inch lifting height.
• Body Up Evolution, BU1000, 220 pound capacity.

Lift Slings

This type utilize slings to hold and stabilize the individual during the lifting process. Slings connect to the cradle to directly support the patient. Selecting the right sling depends upon the type of hoist your are using and the size of the patient. More detailed information can be viewed at Patient Lift Slings.

Top Five Comparison Chart

Product Videos

Training for Vounteers in Disaster Shelters: How to Use a Patient Lift

Video Transcript

Hi I'm Nola, a nurse with the Medical Reserve Corps in Kansas City. Welcome to the training for volunteers in disaster shelters. This episode is about using a patient lift. A patient lifter is used to transfer individuals who are unable to assist from a bed to a chair and back to bed. This is the lifter used for this demonstration. At the top is the arm that supports the cradle. The sling will loop onto this cradle. The hydraulic pump will allow you to elevate the individual. The valve located at the bottom of the pump needs to be turned to the right or clockwise in order to create a seal. Once you have turned it to the right, take the handle and pump up and down to raise the cradle. When you are ready to lower the cradle simply turn the valve to the left or counterclockwise. This needs to be done slowly so that it does not drop too quickly. The base of the lifter is designed to allow you to spread the legs of the lifter by turning the handle on the base. This is important to provide stability and keep the lifter from tipping. The sling will be placed under the individual and then attached to the cradle. Note that there are three color coded loops on the flats. Be sure to note the colors when you are using it on the individual. Explain to the individual that you are going to get them up to a chair. Roll the individual on to their side facing away from you. Place the sling folded lengthwise halfway under the individual so the cutout is just above the tailbone. Place the long tail stretching out towards the knees. Roll the individual back towards you and pull the folded remainder of the sling out from the far side. Bring the tail next to the right leg under the thigh and bring it up between the legs. Repeat the process on the left leg so that both tails are now located between the legs. Move the lifter into position with the cradle bar positioned directly over the individuals chest. Move the arm of the lift to spread the legs of the left wider for more stability. Take the loops on either side of the top of the sling and hook them to the cradle. Note the color of the loops and use the same color loops for all straps. Take the tail that is under the right leg up and across the person's body and hook the loop to the cradle on the left side. There are four loops on the tail, color coated black, purple, green and blue. Make a note of which color you are using to hook to the cradle. Take the tail from the left leg and cross it over and hook the loop to the right side of the cradle. Be sure to use the same color loop as you did for the right leg. This will give you a finished look of an "X". The individual can cross their arms across their chests for the transfer. Close the valve on the hydraulic pump of the lift by turning the lever clockwise and use a pumping motion on the handle to gradually lift the individual off of the bed. Once the individual is totally suspended, carefully back the lift out and roll it toward the chair. The chair should fit between the legs of the lift. After the individual is positioned over the chair, slowly turn the valve to the left and lower the individual to the chair. Help to guide the individual into a good upright position as their weight is being lowered. Detach the loops from the cradle and let the tails rest in the person's lap. Move the lifter away. Ask for assistance from the nurse in charge if needed.

Information Resources

• Yassi, A., et al. "A randomized controlled trial to prevent patient lift and transfer injuries of health care workers." Spine 26.16 (2001): 1739-1746.
• Edlich, Richard, et al. "Prevention of disabling back injuries in nurses by the use of mechanical patient lift systems." Journal of long-term effects of medical implants 14.6 (2004).
• Nelson, Audrey, and A. Baptiste. "Evidence-based practices for safe patient handling and movement." Online Journal of Issues in Nursing 9.3 (2004).
• Winkelmolen, G. H. M., J. A. Landeweerd, and M. R. Drost. "An evaluation of patient lifting techniques." Ergonomics 37.5 (1994): 921-932.