AliMed

® A Guide to

Helping people…help people™

Patient Transfer

Making
Safe Patient
Handling
Safer

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Expanded product offering online Knowledgeable customer care team 8021
 Safe Patient Handling Overview

Who’s shouldering
the CO$T?
UP
TO 60%
of all healthcare injures are back-related,
most often due to patient handling

20%
of nurses leave their positions in direct
patient care due to job-related risks

UP
TO
$103,000
Potential wage replacement cost
for an injured or retiring nurse

$20 Billion
Estimated annual direct and indirect costs
linked to back injuries in healthcare

Establish a culture of routine

Manual patient handling should never be an option. Investment and training in the everyday use of safe patient
handling tools that are resource-efficient and readily available is key to establishing a culture of routine and compliance, offering long-term
cost benefits for facilities while decreasing the high—and very much avoidable—rate of injury to both staff and patients.

Follow the Three “A's” Key Takeaway

3A
 ssess your department needs, your staffing levels, and your
patient population for mobility level and assistance required
Always use some
type of transfer tool—
3 Acquire the right transfer devices for your specific point-of-care needs something is better
3 Access to transfer devices makes it easy for staff compliance than nothing

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 Safe Patient Handling Overview

{ Is your staff pulling their weight? They shouldn't be!

It's safe to PUSH 20% or PULL 30% of your body weight }
Choose the right mix of devices for your needs
Lateral Transfer Aids p. 5
Device Types: Air-Assisted • Rollboards • Shifters • Transfer Sheets
Department Use: E  mergency Room • Operating Room • Imaging Suite • Patient Room
Mobility Level: No to Limited Mobility / Dependent

Limited Mobility Transfer Aids p. 9

Device Types: Full-Body Lifts • Sit-to-Stand Lifts • Transfer Boards
Department Use: Operating Room • Patient Room • Bathroom
Mobility Level: No to Limited Mobility / Fully Dependent

Assisted Mobility Transfer Aids p. 10

Device Types: Sit-to-Stand Lifts • Transfer Boards • Gait Belts
Department Use: Patient Room • Inter-Departmental Transfer
Mobility Level: Limited to Assisted Mobility / Moderately to Minimally Dependent

Repositioning Aids p. 12
Device Types: Turners • Boosters • Air-Assisted (p. 5)
Department Use: Patient Room
Mobility Level: No to Limited Mobility / Fully Dependent

t Transfer:
Lateral Patien 101
Pull Force Significantly affects
the
Patient Weight
created and, in
turn, the pull force
amount of friction considered
must always be
required—weight
during transfers

+ that acts to resist

sliding

Safe Patient Handling Resources

Friction The force that are touching, which
between two surfaces of the object
or stop the motion
can slow down
weight is added
and increase as

}=
needed to
amount of force
te RISK Pull Force The the pull force

{
Don't underestima when move a patient
laterally—the greater injury.
injuries occur the risk for staff
Remember—more e size patients! required, the greater
transferring averag

ng tools can handle

what patient handli
Lessen injury risk: know Linen
Transfer

Scan to download our printable posters

Shifters Draw Sheets
Rollboards Sheets
Air-Assisted

Highest Pull Force/

Higher Pull Force/ Risk

Plus, find featured products, blogs, videos, and more!

Highest Injury
Medium Pull Force/ Higher Injury Risk
Lower Pull Force/ Medium Injury
Risk ed
Lowest Pull Force/ Lower Injury Risk only Not recommend
Lowest Injury Risk Emergency situations • Only use with
uneven gaps devices are
Safely bridges • Use only if other another assistive
easy to handle unavailable device to reduce
Maximum stability • Lightweight and option than
mechanics and • Lower friction draw sheets injury risk
and comfort • Friction-reducing efforts
• Best overall option
for manual
materials help
reduce push/pull traditional linen
of 2-3 staff requires more than
lateral transfer • Requires minimum • Oftenin AliMed's
and to learn more
t Transfer
significantly
• Cushion of air which for average Scan 4 staff
• Models available
Guide to Patien
for average
reduces friction, the pull bariatric size patients • Models available patients
m/sph size
drastically reduces to
storage
easy access and or visit AliMed.co and bariatric
force required compared • Hangable for for easy
• Stores anywhere
other modalities access
2 staff to assist
• Requires only
• For any size patient
more in AliMed's
Scan to learn
t Transfer

AliMed
®
A Guide to Patien m/sph
or visit AliMed.co
™
people
Helping people…help

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 Lateral Transfer­Overview

Risky Business: Pull Force 101

Patient Weight Significantly affects
the amount of friction created and, in turn, the
pull force required—weight must always be

+
considered during transfers

Friction The force that acts to resist sliding

between two surfaces that are touching, which
can slow down or stop the motion of the object
and increase as weight is added

= Pull Force The amount of force needed

to move a patient laterally—the greater the

{ Don't underestimate RISK

}
pull force required, the greater the risk for
staff injury.
Remember—more injuries occur when
transferring average size patients!

Lessen injury risk: know what patient handling tools can handle
Air-Assisted Rollboards Shifters Transfer Linen
Sheets Draw Sheets

p. 5 p. 6 p. 7 p. 8

Lowest Pull Force/ Lower Pull Force/ Medium Pull Force/ Higher Pull Force/ Highest Pull Force/
Lowest Injury Risk Lower Injury Risk Medium Injury Risk Higher Injury Risk Highest Injury Risk

Maximum stability and comfort
• Best overall option for manual
lateral transfer
• Cushion of air significantly
reduces friction, which drastically
reduces the pull force required
compared to other modalities
• Requires only 2 staff to assist
• For any size patient
Safely bridges uneven gaps
• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Friction-reducing mechanics and materials
help reduce push/pull efforts
• Requires minimum of 2-3 staff
• Models available for average and bariatric
size patients
• Hangable for easy access and storage
Emergency situations only Not recommended
• Use only if other devices are • Only use with another
unavailable assistive device to
• L ower friction option than reduce injury risk
traditional linen draw sheets
• Often requires more than 4 staff
• Models available for average
and bariatric size patients
• Stores anywhere for easy access

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 Lateral Transfer—Air-Assisted

Air-Assisted Lowest Pull Force / Lowest Injury Risk

PPS Glide Air-Assisted Lateral Transfer System Patient and Staff Considerations
• Requires less overall pull force and fewer staff to assist, maximizing staff • Best for patients with limited mobility
efficiency and patient comfort
•B est for patients unable to tolerate rigid devices
• Fewer staff can reduce anxiety and embarrassment for larger patients or require maximum support
• Can stay under the patient for their entire stay for multi-transfer use • Requires only 2 staff to assist
• Can also be used as an in-bed repositioning aid •R ecommended for average or bariatric size
patients

How it works:
Similar to an air hockey table, the Glide uses air-
assisted technology to reduce friction by circulating Infection Control
low-pressure, high-volume air through hundreds of 3D
 isposable option for single-patient use
micro-perforations on the underside of the device. 3M
 achine-washable option for multi-patient use
This creates a cushion of air that allows the Glide
to slide more freely when transferring patients—
even your heaviest ones—for smoother, safer
patient transfers.

Micro-perforations
on underside of
mattress

Micro-perforations create a cushion

of air that allows the Glide to slide
more freely from surface to surface,
reducing injury risk Use as a Repositioning Aid
The Glide can be left under the patient for the
duration of their stay for use as a repositioning
aid for boosting, turning, or proning.

Pair the Glide with 27° foam wedges to

Scan to watch the assist with proper positioning and pressure
video and learn more redistribution while anchoring the patient

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 Lateral Transfer—Rollboards

Rollboards Lower Pull Force / Lower Injury Risk

AliMed® Soft Rollboards Patient and Staff Considerations

• Conveyor-belt mechanics reduce friction and require less force during
transfers than more rigid shifters
• Antimicrobial fabric covers and board frames offer greater infection control
(Disposable covers also available)
• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Mountable on a door or wall for easy accessibility and storage
• Best for immobile patients or those with limited mobility
• L ess tolerable for geriatric patients or those with fragile
or sensitive skin
• Specific models for average or bariatric size patients
• Requires a draw sheet
• Requires a minimum of 2-3 staff to assist

How it works:
Similar to a conveyor belt, the gold fabric cover rotates around the frame and Infection Control
simultaneously moves with the patient and draw sheet as the patient is gently 3A
 lways disinfect
pushed from one surface to another, helping reduce the overall friction and between patients
force needed for smoother lateral transfers. 3A
 ntimicrobial-treated
to reduce bacteria
growth
Cover rotates
3W
 ipes easily with
around frame and any disinfectant
moves with the patient

Scan to watch the

video and learn more

{ 25% of healthcare workers

compensation claims are
related to patient handling }
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 Lateral Transfer—Shifters

Shifters Medium Pull Force / Medium Injury Risk

AliMed® Anti-Stat and Conductive Patient Shifters Patient and Staff Considerations
• Slippery anti-static coating reduces friction to minimize injury risk • Best for immobile patients or those with limited mobility
• Shields against static buildup and eliminates dangerous •M ore tolerable for geriatric patients or those with fragile
shocks (Conductive model) or sensitive skin
• Lightweight and flexible for easy positioning • Specific models for average or bariatric size patients
• Mountable on a wall for easy accessibility and storage • Requires a draw sheet
• Requires a minimum of 2-3 staff to assist

How it works:
The board is placed between two surfaces to safely bridge any small or uneven gaps. Using
a draw sheet, the slippery anti-static coating allows staff to easily slide a patient across the Infection Control
board without static buildup. Conductive models also help eliminate the risk of dangerous 3A lways disinfect between patients
friction shocks that can harm patients or even jeopardize electrical equipment. 3 Wipes easily with any disinfectant

Scan to learn more

about this product

Safely bridges small or uneven Slippery anti-static coating

gaps between surfaces reduces friction and injury risk

Patient Transfer Scales

Built-in scale provides instant and accurate weight
assessment for safer medication dosing when
transferring critical or immobile patients
Scan to learn more
about this product

Built-in digital scale for quick weight readings

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 Lateral Transfer—Transfer Sheets

Transfer Sheets Higher Pull Force / Higher Injury Risk

MegaMover® Portable Transport Units Patient and Staff Considerations

• Compact and portable for use anywhere, especially in emergency situations • Best for emergency situations only
• Super lightweight—weighs only 1 lb. •O ptions available for use with a backboard for
• Non-woven, fluid-resistant construction is durable for use in any condition added support
•R ecommended for average or bariatric size
• Ample handles on each side allow for multiple staff lifting to reduce injury risk patients
• Folds for easy storage • High risk for staff or patient injuries
• Requires multiple staff to assist

How it works:
Transfer sheets are often used in
emergency situations to move patients Infection Control
across surfaces, but they also require the 3D
 isposable to reduce
most amount of pull force of any transfer cross-contamination
aid. Choosing options with extended
handles or straps can help minimize the
amount of stretch or pull force required
to complete a transfer. Additionally,
ensuring ample staff are available to
assist is a key factor for reducing injuries
and maintaining patient comfort.

Scan to learn more

about this product

{1.8 tons
Estimated weight
lifted by a nurse
in a single shift,

}
on average more
than any other
occupation

Z-Slider® Patient Transfer Wall-mountable

storage dispenser
and Repositioning Sheets for quick access

Disposable and compact for emergency use

Scan to learn more So compact, sheets can be folded

about this product and stored in your pocket for
emergency access

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 Limited Mobility Transfer—Full-Body Lifts

Safer assisted transfers

start with assessing your patients' mobility level
Full-Body Lifts Sit-to-Stand Lifts Transfer Boards Gait Belts No Device

below p. 10 p. 10 p. 11
No Mobility/ Limited Mobility/ Assisted Mobility/ Full Mobility/
Fully Dependent Moderately Dependent Minimally Dependent Independent
• Immobile or significant • Sit-to-Stand: can sit up and maintain balance, but has • Maintains standing ability, partial • Patient is
weakness/paralysis limited lower body strength/weight-bearing capacity to full weight-bearing capacity independent
• Sedated/post-anesthesia and is unable to stand • May need assistive device • No assistance
 evere cognitive impairment, • Transfer Board: can sit up, maintain balance, and has
•S to stand or ambulate required
no ability to participate limited upper/lower body strength for grasping • L imited to full cognitive function, • Reassess as
•R
 equires 2 or more staff to • Limited to full cognitive function, some ability fully able to participate needed
assist to participate • Requires 1-2 to staff to assist
• Requires 1-2 to staff to assist

Key Takeaway When mobility level is in question, always use the safest transfer or lifting device available

Full-Body Lifts No Mobility / Fully Dependent

BestCare® Full-Body Electric Patient Lifts Patient and Staff Considerations

• Ideal for immobile patients, offering maximum stability and comfort for even your heaviest patients •H elps retain patient dignity and can reduce anxiety
• Fully electronic for smoother, safer transfers with the ability to handle patients up to 600 lbs. •M ost comfortable, tolerated by all patient types
• Requires minimal staff effort and greatly reduces bodily strain • Specific models for average or bariatric size patients
• Easy to maneuver • Requires 2 or more staff to assist
•C hallenging to store, not always accessible,
power source required

How it works:
Electric lifts do most of the heavy lifting
with just a push of a button. With the
appropriate sling placed under the patient Electric full-body Full-Body Slings
lifts are ideal when provide total support
and attached to the lift, the patient is transferring immobile and come in a range
safely raised and moved from one place patients, requiring the of styles and sizes
to another without any physical lifting least amount of staff for safe, comfortable
required by staff. effort for fewer injuries transfers

Scan to learn more

about Full-Body Lifts

Scan to learn more

about Full-Body Slings

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 Limited to Assisted Mobility Transfer—Sit-to-Stand Lifts and Transfer

Sit-to-Stand Lifts Limited Mobility / Moderately Dependent

Sit-to-Stand Electric Lifts and Manual Standing Aids Patient and Staff Considerations
• Ideal for patients who have some ability to participate, partial upper body strength, •E  nsure patient's weight-bearing status is
and can tolerate weight-bearing while rising from a seated position with assistance compatible with model type
• Electric models require less staff effort and strain and are easy to operate (power • Ideal for early mobility and assisting with out-of-bed
source required) activities
• Manual models require more staff effort to complete a transfer, but are • Specific models for average or bariatric size patients
lightweight, affordable, and portable with no charging needed • Requires 2 or more staff to assist
• Both models are compact and easy to maneuver • Challenging to store, not always accessible

BestStand® Sit-to-Stand BestMove™ Manual Standing Sit-to-Stand Slings provide

Electric Lifts are best for Transfer Aids are best for added support and safety as
patients who require more patients who have more the patient rises (compatible
support—they are also stability—they are also with Electric Lift)
easy to operate and require affordable and lightweight
less staff effort for quicker, with no power source
simpler transfers for greater flexibility and
portability
Scan to learn more
about Sit-to-Stand Slings

Scan to learn more

about Sit-to-Stand Lifts

Transfer Boards Limited to Assisted Mobility / Moderately Dependent

AliMed® Maple Transfer Boards Patient and Staff Considerations

• Ideal for assisted seated transfers with patients who can actively participate and • Ideal for specific patient populations who have
have partial-to-full upper body strength more upper body strength 
• Smooth, polished wood finish allows staff to assist patient with sliding, using •N  ot recommended for patients with fragile or
minimal effort without lifting sensitive skin
• Allows for smaller movements by the patient to reduce strain •R  ecommended for average or bariatric size patients
• Lightweight and easy to handle, stores within reach for point-of-care use •R  equires 1-2 staff to assist depending on patient
mobility level

How it works:
The board is placed between two seated
surfaces to safely bridge gaps and allow Infection Control
transfers from a wheelchair to a bed, 3A lways disinfect between patients
chair, or toilet. Both patient and staff 3 Wipes easily with any disinfectant
assist, with the caregiver guiding the
patient as they move across the board,
reducing strain on both.

Scan to learn more

about this product

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 Assisted Mobility Transfer—Ambulation Aids

Ambulation Aids Assisted Mobility / Minimally Dependent

AliMed® Soft Wipeable Gait Belts Patient and Staff Considerations

• Ideal for assisted sit-to-stand transfers or guided ambulation with patients •O
 ften used with another transfer device to ensure
who have partial-to-full mobility or weight-bearing capacity safer staff mechanics while protecting patient from
• Soft, flexible, smooth material is easier and more comfortable for staff to grip possible pulling injury 
•M
 ore comfortable for patients who are unable to
• Easy-release clip-style plastic buckle provides a secure closure tolerate stiffer fabrics
• Antimicrobial-treated strap with fully welded edges offers quick and easy •N
 ot recommended for patients with chest trauma
disinfection between patients
•R
 equires 1-2 staff to assist depending on patient
• Easily stores within reach for point-of-care use mobility level

How it works:
With the belt placed around the patient's waist, staff are able to more
easily grip the soft, flexible strap when providing transfer or ambulation Infection Control
assistance, and the smooth material is more comfortable against 3A
 lways disinfect between patients
patients with sensitive skin. When fastened, the clip-style buckle 3A
 ntimicrobial-treated strap reduces bacteria growth
ensures security and is easy to release when removing the belt.
3S
 eamless strap and plastic buckle wipe easily with
any disinfectant

Easy-release
clip-style plastic
buckle for easy
cleaning and
security
Easy to wipe clean with Easy and comfortable to grip
fully welded edges with soft, flexible material

Scan to watch the

video and learn more

{100% Increase in patient weight

in the last 30 years, putting
staff at greater injury risk }
AliMed® Comfort QC Ambulation Belts
Maximum stability with more
flexibility for improved patient
comfort
Scan to learn more
about this product

Improved comfort for patients Easy on/off with Lift with confidence—access patient from any
and clinicians with flexible strap clip-style plastic buckle angle with multiple handles for maximum stability

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 Repositioning Aids

Repositioning Aids
AliMed® ”No-Lift” Repositioning Aids Patient and Staff Considerations
• Tubular-shaped aids are made with a slippery friction-reducing material inside for easy •A ids should be removed between uses
sliding, helping ease staff back strain during in-bed repositioning while reducing shear
•R ecommended for average or bariatric size
forces that can contribute to pressure issues patients
• Reinforced edges and handles allow for repositioning without lifting • Requires 2 or more staff to assist
• “No-Lift“ Turner™ assists in turning patients from side to side and, once in place, •P atient weight should be considered when
requires only one staff to reposition as needed determining number of staff required
• “No-Lift“ Booster™ helps slide patients up or down and requires at least 2 staff to assist

How it works:
Once the Turner or Booster is positioned under AliMed's “No-Lift“ TURNER™ allows staff
the patient, staff can grasp the reinforced handles to turn patients by pulling, not lifting
to reposition the patient as needed. The easy-slide
friction- and shear-reducing material allows staff
to turn or boost patients with less effort, reducing
strain and manual handling risk.

Scan to learn more

about the Turner

Infection Control
3M
 achine-washable for
multi-patient use
3C
 an stay with the patient
for their entire stay

{ #1 job
Patient boosting is
AliMed's “No-Lift“ BOOSTER™ allows
lateral motion without lifting

the most frequently

}
performed task
by nurses and
healthcare staff

Scan to learn more

about the Booster

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