Domiciliary Equipment Service
Fact sheet
Slings
January 2013
What are Slings?
Slings are used in conjunction with a hoist/lifter to support a client during a
transfer. Slings come in a variety of sizes, with polyester or mesh fabric.
Types of Slings
Full Body Sling, Access/hygine, General Purpose sling as pictured.
How do I use a sling?
Detailed instructions of use should be given to the carer by a therapist at the
time of issue.
Instructions from a seated position
1. Prepare client ready for transfer. Ensure environment is clear of
obstacles and equipment is close by and in good working order.
2. Partially lean the client forward, so that the sling can be slid down the
back. Ensure client is stabilised during this step and will not fall
forward.
3. Position centre of sling at centre of clients back, and as low as
possible at bottom of spine, slightly tucking under buttocks.
Alternately, lift clients legs and place leg strap under thigh area
bringing loop straps up between legs.
4. Position hoist in front of client.
5. Attach upper sling loops to appropriate hook on lifting crossbar.
(Client’s arms will be inside sling)
6. Cross leg straps over between legs, position loops on appropriate
crossbar hook (to the opposite side of leg supported). Raise the
client up slightly, so that the sling just takes clients weight but is not
fully off seat. Check that sling is flat against the body, and that client
is comfortable and safe.
7. Continue lifting to the required position.
Instructions from a lying position (two carers are recommended)
1. Prepare client, environment and equipment ready for the transfer.
2. Roll client onto their side and stabilise.
Check for latest e-version, as photocopies may be out of date: Released 05/02/2013
Phone: 1300 295 786
Fax: 1300 295 839
Email: equipment.feedback@dcsi.sa.gov.au
Page 1 of 3
Domiciliary Equipment Service
Slings
Fact sheet
3. Bunch sling up longways and place slings midline in line with client’s spine. Ensure bottom of sling is
level with clients sacrum.
4. Roll client onto their other side over the already half-placed sling and pull remaining part of sling through.
5. Return client onto their back. Sling should now be in place under the clients back with straps either side
of them.
6. One at a time, position leg straps by bending the client’s knees and guiding the strap under the leg
protecting the client’s skin with your hand on the inside of the sling. Ensure the straps are smooth and
flat. Repeat on the other side.
7. Attach the upper sling loops.
8. Supporting the clients head, raise to a sitting position using the lifter.
9. Leg straps can now be positioned and client transferred as above procedure.
Removing the sling
At a seated position:
1. For removing the sling at a seated position, lower the cross bar. Unhook the legs strap loops from the
lowered cross bar and bring the straps under the legs to the back of the client.
2. Hook up the legs strap loops onto the cross bar again.
3. With the legs strap loops and upper slings loops now connected to the crossbar, lift the crossbar using
the electric control until the sling has cleared the client.
At a lying position:
1. For removing the sling at a lying position, unhook all straps loops from the lowered crossbar.
2. Grasp one side of the sling and push it under the client as far as possible. To do this push sling down
into the mattress – avoid pushing into the client and ensure all jewellery is taken off prior.
3. Roll client onto this same side (side without the sling showing) and stabilise.
4. You should now be able to safety pull the sling away from the bed without injuring the client.
Things to remember

For a laid back position (for transferring into bed) ensure that the leg straps are hooked onto the lifter
using the shortest loop.

For a seated position (for transferring into a chair) ensure that the leg straps are hooked onto the lifter
using the longest loop.
Check for latest e-version, as photocopies may be out of date: Released 05/02/2013
Phone: 1300 295 786
Fax: 1300 295 839
Email: equipment.feedback@dcsi.sa.gov.au
Page 2 of 3
Domiciliary Equipment Service


Slings
Fact sheet
To position client correctly in chair, (i.e. so their bottom is at the back of the chair) push through their
knees from the front while lowering the lifter. Ensure crossbar does not come in contact with person being
hoisted.
Where possible, remove the sling from under the client after transfers, especially if wet or soiled.
Precautions

Beware of sling causing red pressure areas or skin abrasions. Try inserting a soft towel between the sling
and the skin – contact your therapist if the problem persists.

Avoid pulling the sling directly across the skin and dragging body parts across the bed when hoisting – this
can lead to pressure sores developing overtime.

Beware of any attachments eg, catheters, PEGs; when fitting sling.

In the instance of weight change, ensure the sling is still appropriate ie. size, comfort and weight capacity.
General Enquires & Contacts
If you experience problems with your equipment and it has been hired for you by another agency, please call
your service provider to report the problem. Alternatively you may call DOMICILIARY EQUIPMENT SERVICE
Ph: 1300 295 786 or Fax: 1300 295 839
For Repairs & Maintenance: Ph: 1300 130 302
Check for latest e-version, as photocopies may be out of date: Released 05/02/2013
Phone: 1300 295 786
Fax: 1300 295 839
Email: equipment.feedback@dcsi.sa.gov.au
Page 3 of 3