Spectrum Healthcare AlbacMat User Manual

ALBACMAT

User Guide

Note: This guide is not a training manual. It has been designed to assist personnel in the safe use of the AlbacMat
and needs to be assessed in line with the manual handling and cross infection policies in place within your
organisation. Any manual handling techniques used within this information are merely suggested methods to
move non ambulant persons in an emergency. It is accepted that there may be other more appropriate
alternatives on some occasions and within slightly different environments.

Transfer from a chair.

Position the AlbacMat long ways on the floor in front of the
chair/wheelchair - ensure the brakes are put on and foot plates are
removed if transferring from a wheel chair.

Carer1 supports user’s legs and guides the legs towards the end of
the AlbacMat. Carer2 kneels on the AlbacMat in front of the
chair/wheelchair at the opposite side to Carer1 and encourages the
user to lean forward from the back of the chair.

With flat palms of hands on users hips, Carer2 carefully shuffles
their bottom forward in the chair/wheelchair and slowly guides the
user`s hips round towards the front edge of the chair/wheelchair.

Carer1 stays close behind user and moves into a low kneeling
position as user slides from the chair/wheelchair to the AlbacMat,
providing support for the user’s upper body. Carer2 adjusts the
position of the legs and feet of user.

Both carers then help lay user flat on the AlbacMat ensuring that
they are laying centrally on the Mat with feet placed within the foot
pocket. The AlbacMat is now ready to be fastened up – See
Transferring from a bed/floor.

Preparing the AlbacMat.

To release the AlbacMat from its self-contained bag, hold the
AlbacMat by the yellow hi-vis handle, with the logo facing away from
you, release the blue fastening strap and “throw out” the Mat –
ensuring that keep hold of the hi vis handle. Once the AlbacMat has
been released it is ready for use.

Transferring onto the AlbacMat.

There are various methods of transferring the individual on to the
AlbacMat, depending upon where they are at the time of evacuation,
this includes transfer while in bed or a chair/ wheelchair - all
methods require a minimum of two carers/ handlers – the text
below suggests these methods.

Transfer from a bed/ floor.

To perform a transfer on to the AlbacMat it is essential that this is
done working in pairs, one either side of the bed, to prevent the
user from rolling off the bed and if time allows it is recommended
carers work with the bed at a suitable height.

If transferring from a bed, firstly remove all pillows and covers from
the bed and wrap the user in the bottom bed sheet.

Log roll the user on to his/her side, ensuring that they are
continually supported by one carer.

Transferring off a bed

There are different ways of moving the user off the bed. There is
no one set procedure. It may be that the manual handling advisor
has a more suitable suggestion.

Method 1(diagonal transfer)

Before moving the AlbacMat from the bed and if time allows, take
the bed down to its lowest position.

Taking the straps at the head end, hold them short and move the
AlbacMat around on the mattress so it is laying across the bed. If
space allows the second person can take hold of the straps at the
foot end.

The person at the head end pulls & steps slowly backwards to
enable the AlbacMat to slide onto the floor, allowing the pulling
straps to slowly move through their hands, keeping a correct
posture and taking care to support the patient’s head.

You will find that by keeping moving slowly backwards, the legs &
feet will follow. These can be supported by the second person to
help ensure a steady descent.

Method 2 (foot end transfer)

If the type of bed and space allows, the bed can be tilted up from
the head end and the user can be taken off the bed from the foot
end.

To perform this procedure firstly ensure that the bed is at its lowest
position and remove the detachable foot end from the bed.

The bed can then be tilted up from the head end and with at least
one carer at each end of the AlbacMat, the user can be taken off
the foot end of the bed and slid to the floor (feet first), using the
end pulling handles, in a slow, controlled manner, ensuring the
users head is protected throughout.

Transfer from a bed/ floor continued.

Place the AlbacMat tight against the user’s back and legs and gently
roll him/her back onto the AlbacMat ensuring that they are
positioned comfortably and are lying centrally on the Mat with feet
in the foot pocket.

If bedding is available position a pillow under the user’s head and
cover him/her with blanket/duvet. Remove the foil blanket from the
foot pocket and place over the user.

Fasten the two top cross straps across the chest area creating an X
and finally fasten the bottom cross strap. The straps should be
fastened tight enough that the side of the AlbacMat enclose the
user, but not too tight that they become uncomfortable.

If the AlbacMat is being used for a child use the two lower velcro
cross straps to secure him/her in place and the top velcro strap can
be used as the moving strap (ensuring it is fastened first).

The user is now ready to be moved off the bed.