How does one use the Bed Sled™ Repositioning Device ?
For Reclining:
- Start with the recliner lounge chair in the upright seated position.
- Place the Bed Sled™ on the recliner with the bottom edge even with the front of the chair, where the knees of the patient will be when seated.
- Seat the patient onto the recliner settling him onto the Bed Sled™, leaning him back into the chair.
- Recline the chair slightly. Two attendants, one on either side of the recliner, take hold of the loop handles and slide the patient into the proper position.
- The recliner is then fully reclined. The canvas works well here because the patient is clothed and will not be in the chair for more than a couple hours.
For Bed Use:
- Stand at the side of the bed. Instruct your helper to stand on the opposite side, ensure that the side rail (if there is one) is raised and secure. Then turn the patient from lying on his back to away from you onto his side
- Place the Bed Sled™ behind the patient so that the edge nearest you reaches nearly to the side of the bed, from slightly above the patient’s shoulders to slightly below his buttocks.
- Roll or fan fold the Bed Sled™ against the patient’s back as closely as possible. Then raise the rail on your side and tell your helper to roll the patient back over the folded Bed Sled, towards you. Your helper can then grasp the folded Bed Sled™ and firmly pull it towards herself to remove all the fanfolds from under the patient and then smoothes any wrinkles to avoid skin irritation which can contribute to skin breakdown.
- Together, grasp the Bed Sled™ loop handles and on the count of three, slide him across the bed to the opposite side of the bed. To turn the patient toward you, reach over the patient and grasp the loops on the opposite side and gently pull them toward you. While holding the patient in this position your helper can position pillows against the patient’s back at the shoulders and hips to help hold him in this position.
- Align the patient comfortably.
- This maneuver can be performed by one person, but a helper greatly reduces the chance of injury to the patient or care giver.