Joerns Healthcare Hoyer Sling User manual

Joerns

Healthcare

Hoyer® Sling Guide

redefining patient handling

Hoyer

®

Sling Guide

Introduction

A sling is an item of moving and handling equipment, which is used with a mechanical lift
in order to facilitate the transfer of a resident. A sling comprises a specially designed and
constructed piece of fabric, which is placed under and around a resident before being
attached to the spreader bar/cradle of a lift to raise, transfer and lower the resident.

When selected and used correctly, a sling and lift will achieve a safer transfer, reducing
the risks associated with manual handling.

FIM Score

(Function Independence Measure)

A widely used assessment tool to classify a person’s function
from independence to total assistance in seven levels.

7. Complete Independence

Another person is not required for the activity which is performed safely without
modification or outside assistance within a reasonable time.

6. Modified Independence

Another person is not required for the activity but may need an assistive device,
more than reasonable time giving a risk consideration.

5. Supervision or set up
Someone required to help by observation, encouragement without contact.

4. Minimal Assistance
Someone required to help - by touching - subject makes 75% or more of the effort.

3. Moderate Assistance

Someone required to help by more than touching - subject makes 50% - 75% of the effort.

2. Maximal Assistance
Complete dependence. Subject makes less than 50% but at least 25% of effort.

1. Total Assistance
Complete dependence. Subject makes less than 25% of effort.

Please note that staff in ALL areas must have immediate access to at least one mobile
passive lift for use in the event of an emergency such as the retrieval of a fallen person.
A passive lift suitable for a very heavy person should also be accessible within the facility/
hospital, and all staff should be aware of the system for accessing the lift as required. For
example, in the event of an unplanned admission of a very heavy resident into Accident
and Emergency.

Please note:

It is very important to use the correct sized sling and ensure it is properly fitted before attempting to

lift. This will ensure the person being lifted feels safe, dignified and comfortable. It will also provide the

caregiver with confidence that they can achieve the transfer that they wish and that the procedure will be

executed in an effective and safe manner.This guide aims to assist those responsible for the provision

of slings by outlining some key factors to be addressed in the selection of the most appropriate type of

sling for a resident. Guidance is then given as to which sling from the HOYER range will best meet these

requirements. HOYER has an extensive range of slings. Our slings are a reflection on many years of

refinements that make our range one of the most comfortable and flexible in the market place today.

2

www.joerns.com | [e-mail]

Sling Guide

Sling Models

The Hoyer range of slings has been designed with a number of features aimed at meeting varied lifting requirements and applications.
Each sling is described briefly below. Note FIM scores have been provided as an assessment tool to classify a person’s function from
independence to total assistance in 7 levels.

Hoyer

®

Quick fit/Universal Sling
(Spreader Bar: 6 Point)

This sling is an easy-to-fit, general-purpose
sling designed to suit 85% of residents. It is
simple to use and is available in all sizes from
XS to XL. FIM Scores: 1 and 2 and any other

person from the floor

Quick Fit Deluxe Sling
(Spreader Bar: 6 Point)

This sling is a development of the Quick Fit
design and is suitable for 95% of residents.
It can be used for amputees following
assessment, and is available in all sizes from
XS to XL. FIM Scores: 1 and 2 and

any other person from the floor

Access/Toileting Sling
(Spreader Bar: 6 Point)

This sling is designed specifically to facilitate
the toileting procedure by allowing the removal
of clothing. It is NOT a general-purpose sling
and will suit only 25% of residents. Residents
must be in a sitting position to use this sling.

FIM Scores: 2 or 3 following
careful assessment

An assessment MUST be carried out when
using the access sling as it can be dangerous
when used on the wrong resident.

Full Back
(Spreader Bar: 6 Point)

This is a more specialized sling. It incorporates
integral boned head support and padded leg
pieces and is available in all sizes from XS to
XL. The correct size will fit snugly and give full
protection for residents who go into extension,
or have involuntary movements or behavioral
problems. FIM Scores: 1 and 2 and

any other person from the floor

Comfort Sling
(Cradle: 4 Point)

This is a more specialized sling. It allows
correct positioning to be made via the 4-point
cradle and uses the Securi3 sling connection
system ensuring no inadvertent detachment
of the sling from the cradle. It incorporates a
removable comfort pad for head support and
snuggles the resident providing full protection
for residents who go into extension or have
involuntary movements or behavioral problems.
It is available in all sizes from XS to XL.

FIM Scores: 1 and 2 and any other person
from the floor

Standing Sling (Stand-aid)

The standing sling is suitable for those
residents who have a greater degree of weight
bearing ability. It allows excellent access for
toileting and is easy to fit, providing quick and
effective transfers. The adjustable waist strap;
the non-slip back pad ensures the sling does
not ride up during the transfer. This sling can
be dangerous, however, when used with the
wrong resident, so a careful risk assessment is
advised. FIM Scores: 3 and 4

www.joerns.com | [e-mail]

Transport Sling
(Stand-aid)

The transport sling is suitable for those
residents with a degree of weight bearing
ability. It is easy to fit, allowing quick and
effective transfers. The adjustable waist strap.

FIM Scores: 2, 3 and 4

3