Sling selector guide

The choice of the patient sling

Effective and safe patient transfers are significantly affected by a crucial yet often overlooked factor - the choice of the patient sling. Serving as the vital interface to the user, the sling plays an essential role in ensuring both comfort and safety during transfers.

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Lots of options

Selecting a suitable sling encompasses many parameters, contributing to the wide and diverse options available.

Consider the patient's mobility level

The user's mobility level and health condition demand careful evaluation when considering alternatives to prevent potential risks during transfers. For instance, individuals with reduced head stability should not use low back slings lacking adequate head support.

Type of transfer

Furthermore, the nature of the transfer itself impacts the choice of sling model and material. These considerations significantly influence the ideal sling selection, whether it's a seated, supine, or active transfer or it will be utilized for toileting or showering.

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Sizing and body shape

Identifying the appropriate sling for a specific user must also account for the user's body shape and measurements. An ill-fitting sling, whether too small or too large, not only compromises comfort but also poses risks such as discomfort, pain, or the potential for the user to slip out of the sling.

Testing for safety

This guide aims to comprehensively guide you through all the critical aspects to contemplate when selecting a sling. It's imperative to emphasize that the chosen sling must be tested with the individual user in the intended lifting situation. As a caregiver, you are responsible for the safety of the user.

How to use this guide

  1. Learn about the different types of transfers
  2. Understand how user functionality and unique situations influence the choice of sling model
  3. Learn how to measure the user and find the correct sling size

Active sit-to-stand transfer - Card item block

Active sit-to-stand transfers

For an active sit-to-stand transfer, a documented risk assessment of the individual user and transfer situation is required. The user should be able to follow instructions, maintain good core stability, and load at least one leg.
Walking & gait training - Card item block

Walking or gait training

Prescribing a vest for walking or gait training using Molift Air, Mover, or Partner also requires a risk assessment documenting that the user can handle the leg load and has core stability.
Lying transfer or repositioning - Card item block

Lying transfer or repositioning

A sheet or stretcher for a lying transfer or repositioning is the answer when the user cannot reposition themselves in bed or when a seated transfer would be inappropriate due to medical conditions, e.g. comatose or sedated patients requiring a stable recumbent position.
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Seated transfers

Choosing the optimal sling for a seated transfer is often the most complex sling assessment; several questions must be answered and merged into one decision. 

 

Sling selector disclaimer

The Etac Sling Selector acts as tool to provide helpful direction in the selection of sling/slings related to the intended use. Results should only be regarded as a principal guideline and does not substitute the need for individual assessments, performed by competent users for each case/patient.