rifton K310 Portable Patient Lifts User Guide
- August 9, 2024
- Rifton
Table of Contents
K310 Portable Patient Lifts
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Product Specifications
- Product Name: Rifton TRAM
- Type: Transfer and Mobility Device
- Features: Eliminates caregiver lifting, reduces back strain and
workplace injuries, provides dignity and safety to the client
Product Usage Instructions
Importance of Proper Positioning
To ensure successful transfers and client comfort, proper
positioning is crucial. Follow these steps:
-
Explain to the client the need for adjustments during the
transfer. -
Build trust by demonstrating the transfer process to an anxious
client. -
Position thigh straps and components for balance, comfort, and
security.
Key Components
The TRAM consists of various components including:
- Scale
- Expansion handle
- Up/down switch
- Body support pads with color-coded clips
- Thigh straps
- Swivel lock
Using Thigh Straps for a Seated Transfer
-
Prepare the area by removing obstacles and widening the base
frame. -
Evaluate the client’s body type and adjust straps and supports
accordingly. -
Attach thigh straps to the body support using yellow clips with
correct orientation. -
Position the TRAM around the client’s rib cage and hips
securely. -
Secure buckles, tighten adjustment straps, and lock caster
brakes. -
Slide unattached ends of thigh straps under the client’s legs
and hook onto clips.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can the TRAM be used for toileting purposes?
A: Yes, the TRAM can be utilized for toileting with proper
positioning and attachments.
Q: How can I adjust the TRAM for a sit-to-stand transfer?
A: Adjust the thigh straps and body supports to assist in a
smooth sit-to-stand transfer.
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Quick Reference Guide
Quick Reference Guide
PThaegeRifTtiotlneTRAM Quick Reference Guide
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Contents
Introduction Importance of Proper Positioning Key Components of the TRAM
Seated Transfer
Toileting with the TRAM Sit-to-Stand or Walking Arm Supports Scale and Gait
Tracker Caster Swivel Locks
Introduction
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The Rifton TRAM is a simple and versatile transfer and mobility device. With proper use it can eliminate
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caregiver lifting, reduce back strain and workplace injuries, and give dignity and safety to the client.
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This Quick Reference Guide provides basic operating guidelines, focusing on core functionality and key
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techniques. It is a supplement to the Product Manual, not a replacement. Before operating the TRAM, all
caregivers must read and understand the Product Manual.
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TIP: For the most up-to-date and detailed instructions,
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see the online guide here:
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© 2024 Rifton Equipment
The Importance of Proper Positioning
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How to get it right the first time
Go slow the first time. Explain to your client that in the course of the
transfer some adjustments may be needed to find the best configuration of the
straps and supports, and that this will make future transfers quick, easy and
safe.
Try to win the client’s trust before beginning your first transfer. Sometimes
it may soothe an anxious client to watch a caregiver or someone else being
transferred in the TRAM first.
The key to success is the proper positioning of thigh straps and other
components to help the client feel balanced, comfortable and secure.
Key Components
Scale
Expansion handle
Up/down switch
Body support pads with color-coded clips
Thigh straps Swivel lock
1
Body support pads with color-coded clips
2
Expansion handle
3
3
Arm supports
4
4
Arm support holder
5
Arm support mounting bracket
6
Thigh straps
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Seat strap
To provide additional support a third thigh strap can be used as a seat strap.
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Pelvic support
Using Thigh Straps for a Seated Transfer
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1
Move or remove the wheelchair
footplates, armrests and
trunk laterals if possible. Use
the TRAM’s expansion
handle to widen the base
frame before approaching
the client.
2
Evaluate the client’s body type and size.
Adjust the straps and height
of the body support
accordingly.
3
Fully shorten one end of each thigh strap
and attach that end to the
yellow clips at the front of
the body support, gray side
facing the client. The other
ends of the thigh straps
should be fully lengthened.
TIP: If needed to prevent outward movement of thighs, the straps can be crossed in front and attached to the yellow clips on opposite sides.
4 Have the client raise
their arms slightly. Position the TRAM so that the body support pads are
around the client’s rib cage a few inches below the armpits and just above the
hips.
5 Secure both buckles
and tighten the two adjustment straps snugly by pressing on one side of the
body support while tightening the belts. Lock the caster brakes.
6 Slide the unattached
ends of the thigh straps under the client’s legs, from the inside to the
outside of the thighs. Raise the client’s legs as needed and work the straps
as far back under the thighs as possible. Hook the thigh strap rings onto the
gray or blue clips.
TIP: If your client is able, ask them to raise one leg and place foot on the
curved tube in front.
TIP: For some clients this may be the single most important step; you may need
to work the thigh strap back by pushing both on the outside and the inside of
the client’s thigh.
TIP: For some clients, placement of the straps underneath the thighs may be
performed first, before bringing the TRAM up to the client. (Using seated
weight shifting.)
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7 Pull the T-handles on
the straps snug. If you can stand behind the client, pull them both evenly at
the same time. Straps should be adjusted so that thighs form a 90° angle to
the client’s trunk during transfer.
a. Correct position
8 Unlock the caster
brakes and raise the client. Watch closely to make sure the body support does
not ride up under their armpits and the client remains balanced and
comfortable and does not sag.
9 Move the client
to the transfer destination.
b. Incorrect (sagging)
c. Correct with seat strap
TIP: If the client sags or feels insecure, you can add the seat strap (which
is simply a third thigh strap), hooked onto the white clips on either side.
Tighten both ends while standing behind the client.
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Gently lower the client onto the chair. Stop
lowering the body support
before it touches the client’s
hips or legs. Lock the caster
brakes. Unclip the back ring
on the thigh straps and gently
pull the straps out from under
the client.
TIP: If you used a seat strap, pause just above the seat surface and remove it.
TIP: The TRAM will automatically stop and beep if it meets increasing resistance.
11 Release the back
buckles and caster brakes and pull the TRAM away from the client.
Toileting with the TRAM
See our online resources for several different methods for toileting with the
TRAM:
Using the Pelvic Support for Sit-to-Stand or Walking
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Front
Back
1
Adjust all 4 straps of the pelvic support to
full length.
2
Position the pelvic support under the client,
either by lifting the client using
steps 1 through 8 of the seated
transfer procedure or by
folding the saddle, shifting the
client to one side, and
positioning the saddle under
the client one half at a time.
Make sure the pelvic support is
gray side up.
3
Lower the client onto the pelvic support.
Unclip and remove the thigh
straps.
4 Attach the pelvic support rings to the colored clips on the
body support using these guidelines:
a. For slim clients, cross the straps on both sides. Attach back strap rings to the red or yellow clips and front straps to the blue or gray clips.
b. For larger clients, you may want to attach the straps as shown with back strap rings on the blue or gray clips and front straps on the red or white clips.
TIP: For some clients, securing the back strap ring to the blue clip assures that the weight bearing assist occurs at the client’s ischial tuberosities. For a slim client, the front strap can then attach (crossed) to the gray clip. For a larger client, the front strap can be attached (uncrossed) to the white clip.
TIP: The attachment points of the pelvic support can be used to control the position of the pelvis and affect posture. See Product Manual for more information.
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5 While the client is still seated, tighten all straps.
TIP: The pelvic support straps should be snug so that the body support does
not ride up on the torso when lifting the client.
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Raise the client while pulling the TRAM
slowly toward you to mimic
the natural sit-to-stand arc.
TIP: Watch closely to make sure the client is comfortable and well supported throughout the lift.
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Adjust the body support height and other
supports so the client can walk
comfortably.
TIP: The body support pads should not be positioned too high under the armpits.
TIP: Arm prompts can be adjusted to accommodate a wide range of positioning needs. Here we show a client positioned with arms forward to promote good walking form.
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Using the T-handles, adjust the pelvic
support straps to optimally
position the pelvis for good
walking posture.
Positioning and Adjusting Arm Supports
Arm prompts or arm platforms may be used to provide additional support during transfer, and positioning during ambulation. The arm supports are highly adjustable to accommodate different positioning requirements.
C A
B
Arm prompt
C B
Arm platform
Adjusting Arm Prompts or Platforms
Height Adjustment: Press button A and slide the post to desired position
Pad adjustment: Loosen knob B to: · Slide the arm pad toward or away from the
user · Angle up or down · Rotate in or out · Move the pad backward or forward
(arm prompt only)
Handhold adjustment: Loosen knob C to: · Slide the handhold forward or back
for different
forearm lengths · Rotate the handhold from side to side · Remove the handhold
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Shown above are the two arm support holders in the four positions possible. Arm support holders can be placed on either side of the body support, with the post forward and up, forward and down, rearward and up, or rearward and down, giving a wide range of adjustment.
For clients with shorter trunks, the arm support mounting bracket can be removed and reattached upside down to prevent the bracket from interfering with the client’s leg position during seated transfers.
The arm and wrist straps may be used to coach a client’s arm to stay in the
arm support.
TIP: (For positioning) Arm supports generally give the most lifting support
when adjusted to the rearmost position, with the client’s elbow directly below
the shoulder. Using the arm supports like this is particularly helpful when
you’re having difficulty lifting a client.
Scale and Gait Tracker
Scale
The scale can be used to measure a client’s weight, and to measure the weight
a client is bearing during ambulation.
1
Turn on the display and use the lb/kg button to
display either pounds or
kilograms.
2
Attach all the components needed for the client, (leg straps, arm supports, etc.) and then press the ZERO
button to zero the scale.
3
Lift the client. Once a client is completely supported by the TRAM, the client’s weight will be displayed.
TIP: When gait training, lift the client completely and zero the scale. Lower the client to begin walking. The weight that the client is bearing will display as a negative number.
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Gait Tracker
The Gait Tracker app allows data from the TRAM scale to be displayed on mobile
phones and tablets via a Bluetooth connection.
The app has two primary functions:
1. It displays the weight measured by the scale, averaged over a 10 second
interval for smoothness.
2. It calculates the average weight on the TRAM over the course of a gait
training session. This value can be used to record and track a client’s weight
bearing capability over time.
1
Install the app on your phone or tablet
(available for Android and
iOS devices).
2
Activate Bluetooth on the scale by pressing
the “BT” button.
Install the Gait Tracker app for Android:
3
Open the Gait Tracker app on your mobile
device. Your device will pair
with the scale when you open
the app.
4
Press “start” on the app when you are ready
to begin the gait training
session.
Install the Gait Tracker app for iOS:
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Use the “pause” and “resume” commands
as needed until the session is
over.
TIP: Before pressing the “reset” button at the end of the session, be sure to make an external record of the session average if needed for tracking purposes. Pressing “reset” will clear all stored data from the app.
TIP: To provide a client with access to the scale data, a phone may also be mounted on the client handlebar using a phone mount for a bicycle handlebar.
Using the Caster Swivel Locks
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Caster swivel locks allow the caregiver to control the TRAM’s movement in several ways by preventing one or more of the TRAM’s casters from swiveling.
TIP: “Front” indicates the caregiver handle end.
One lock on front caster: allows both rear casters to swivel and steer fully
in all directions while the front casters follow.
This can make control easier when repositioning an empty TRAM between sites,
and in some cases during seated transfers.
One lock on rear caster: allows both front casters to swivel and steer fully
in all directions while the rear casters follow.
This helps with stability and directional control during gait training.
One lock on front caster and one lock on rear caster: TRAM will track in a
straight line during gait training.
This allows the client to focus on forward movement without steering.
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You will make a difference. The Rifton TRAM is designed to give clients the
gift of mobility and restore their personal dignity. By understanding and
implementing the basic functions outlined in this guide, you will now make
this possible and you may change someone’s life.
1.800.571.8198
Contact us
sales@rifton.com 800.571.8198 www.rifton.com
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