HUMAN CARE Silhouette Sling Instructions

: June 9, 2024
: HUMAN CARE

Table of Contents

HUMAN CARE Silhouette Sling
Understand Your Sling
Choose the Right Sling
This sling is suitable for
Available Sizes
Suspension Options
Sling Features
Safe Lifting Techniques
Usage
Inspection

HUMAN CARE Silhouette Sling

Important! This quick reference guide does not replace the user manual which can be downloaded at www.humancaregroup.com.
Read all instructions before use!

Understand Your Sling

Sling height
Aperture
Sling width
Leg straps
Head support
Three position straps

Choose the Right Sling

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Trochanter to trochanter size: Measure side to back to side (at the bottom, not the belly).
Measure back width.
Measure back height for low back, shoulder and high back sling.

Always measure in the seated position.
Refer to the user manual for the nearest comparable size.

SLING TOO LARGE Patient may slip out.
SLING TOO SMALL Patient may slip out. Condition may worsen.

This sling is suitable for

To and/or from a bed
To and/or from a chair

Available Sizes

Suspension Options

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Sling Features

Model #25015

Suitable for patients with poor trunk stability
Narrow design is ideal for smaller older ladies
Can be used for bathing

Model #25019

Breathable material ideal for pain sensitive users
No reinforcements or padding
Allow transfer of moisture and heat from patient

Safe Lifting Techniques

Check that the same color straps are used to achieve level loading and that the loops are securely fastened in the carry bar hook.
Explain, if necessary, to the patient about the lift. Check during the lift that the patient is comfortable. Look for non-verbal signs of discomfort.
Ensure their weight is evenly distributed between the straps. Make sure the sling does not pinch or pull the patient’s skin at any point.
Make sure the patient will not slide out of the sling or tip backwards or forwards. The sling should comfortably surround the patient being lifted.
While lowering a patient, using a gentle hand pressure to guide the patient as the lift is moving towards the seating surface. Ensure patient is in correct position for seating before lowering.
Check the sling for signs of wear or damage before using. If any signs of damage are present, do not use the sling.
Plan the moving and lifting process to ensure it is as safe as possible.
If necessary, have two caregivers perform the transfer.

Never leave a patient unattended in the sling!

Usage

Maximum weight capacity 660lb/300kg
Important! This sling has been designed and tested for indoor use with one patient at a time and must only be used for transferring a person.
This product is not a swing.

Inspection

Six Month Inspection – The sling stitching must be checked to ensure that the seams are intact.
The fabric must be checked to ensure it holds its shape and is rigid. The label must be clear and legible.
Daily Inspection – Always inspect the sling for visible signs of damage and/or wear before use.

General Care

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Fabric Features

Polyester Net – 25015, 25018
Flexible and airy
A soft, thin material that breathes and dries quickly. This fabric has some elasticity and can be left behind the patient in a chair or bed for a short period of time. Polyester Net is ideal for bathing and showering.

Soft Air Mesh – 25019
Soft and comfortable
Exclusive to Human Care, this flame retardant material provides optimal comfort. It is a breathable material that can be left behind the patient as it does not promote skin breakdown. Ideal for patients with pain.

Sling Positioning

Applying sling from a seated position

Stand behind or to the side of the patient and hold the sling with the label facing up and away from the patient. Have patient lean forward (assist if needed).
Place sling behind patient’s back. The bottom of the sling should be in line with patient’s coccyx. Pull the leg sections through to the front of the patient. Raise each leg and pull the leg strap under patient’s legs.
Important! The leg straps should surround the hips and be pulled to the same length on both sides! Color match the loops! Do not let the material fold under the patient!
Position legs (may be necessary to lift legs).
Note: if lifting with a 2-point or 4-point suspension, cross the leg straps. For a 3-point suspension, draw one leg strap through the loop of the other leg strap.
Lower the lift to the height of the patient’s chest and affix the upper straps followed by the leg straps, ensuring colors are matched. Hold the lift with one hand away from the patient and slowly raise.

Applying sling from a supine position

Stand to side of patient and turn them to their side. Place the gathered sling with the label towards the patient’s head end and facing up and away from their skin.
Roll the patient on their back and gently pull the gathered sling towards you with your palms up and knuckles towards the bed to prevent skin shearing.
Bend the knee and pull the leg straps through and around the leg.
Note: if lifting with a 2-point or 4-point suspension, cross the leg straps. For a 3-point suspension, draw one leg strap through the loop of the other leg strap.
Important! The leg straps should surround the hips and be pulled to the same length on both sides! Color match the loops! Do not let the material fold under the patient!
Lower the lift to the height of the patient’s chest and affix the upper straps followed by the leg straps, ensuring colors are matched. Hold the lift with one hand away from the patient and slowly raise.

Positioning the legs

Divided position: To achieve this position, bring the leg supports up between the thighs and thread one leg strap through the loop of the other in a cross over style.
Divided relaxed position: To achieve this position, bring the leg supports up between the thighs and attach the leg straps to the center of the carry bar.
Open position: To achieve this position, bring the leg supports up between the thighs and attach the leg straps to the end of the carry bar.
Closed position: To achieve this position, pull one leg support, then the other under both thighs and attach to the end of the carry bar.

Positioning the body

Upright position: To achieve this position, use the short loops of the head and shoulder straps and the long loops of the leg straps.
Reclined position: To achieve this position, use the middle or long loops of the head and shoulder straps and the middle or short loops of the leg straps.

Order of strap attachment

Important! Shoulder loops should always be attached before the leg loops. Attaching the leg loops first may cause risk of the patient sliding out if the lifting process is started and all the straps are not secure.