A slide board is a medical device that is used to move immobile patients from one place to another. Slide boards are useful in helping a patient move from a bed to a wheelchair or vehicle, or vice versa. It is important to use the slide board correctly so that you do not injure the patient or yourself.
Instructions
1. Gently move the patient to the edge of the bed or surface from which he is to be moved. If the patient has leg strength, have him help by positioning his hips toward the edge of the surface he is sitting on.
Kindly ask the patient to turn to his right, and place the gait belt around his waist for support.
2. Lift the patient's left leg and place the edge of the slide board underneath his leg and buttocks. The slide board should be at a 45-degree angle at the corner of the sitting surface.
Kindly ask the patient to place both of his feet flat on the floor. If he is not able, help him to do so.
Place your left foot between his feet.
3. Use your left arm to support the patient by placing your hand on the patient's right hip.
Place your right arm to hold the gait belt over his left shoulder.
Move back just slightly so that the patient has a small amount of room to lean forward. The patient should lean forward for the duration of the transfer.
4. Ask the patient to place his right hand on the surface to which he is being moved and his left on on the slide board. If he cannot do this himself, gently do it for him.
Let the patient know that he should slide or scoot on the count of three. He may take more than one slide or scoot to move onto the other sitting surface. Be patient and help him scoot as many times as necessary.
5. The patient will now be transferred. Do not let go of the patient until he is in a position that he can maintain on his own.
Carefully remove the slide board and put it back where it belongs.
Tags: slide board, edge surface, gait belt, Kindly patient, lean forward
