TOPIC
Sling
Slingtype
Type of suspension
SLINGS
Single Slings
Single slings are made of
canvas bound with soft
webbing and with a D ring at
each end
They are used open to
support the limbs, or folded in
two and as a figure of eight to
support the hand or foot
They measure 68 cm long by
17 cm wide.
DOUBLE SLINGS
Double slings are broad
slings measuring 68 cm
long by 29 cm wide with D
rings at each end
Double slings are used to
support the pelvis or thorax
or the thighs together,
especially when the knees
are to be kept straight.
THREE-RING SLINGS
Three ring slings are webbing
slings 71 cm long by 3–4 cm
wide with three D rings,
one D ring fastened at each end
and one free in the middle. The
centre ring is for attachment to
the dog clip
The webbing is slipped through
the end D rings to make two
loops
These slings are used to support
the wrist and hand or ankle and
foot
HEAD SLING.
A head sling is a short, split
sling with its two halves
stitched together at an angle
to create a central slit
This allows the head to rest
supported at the back under
the lower and upper parts of
the skull, or in the side lying
position leaves the ear free.
TYPES OF SUSPENSION
Vertical Fixation (suspension)
Axial Fixation (suspension)
VERTICAL FIXATION
In using vertical fixation the rope
is fixed so that it hangs vertically
above the centre of gravity of the
part to be suspended.
The centre of gravity of each part
of the body is, on the whole, at
the junction of the upper and
middle third.
Vertical suspension is used for
support as it tends to limit the
movement of the part to a small-
range pendular movement
VERTICAL FIXATION
Vertical fixation is used
primarily to support,
e.g. the abducted upper
limb when the elbow is to be
moved is supported from
above the centre of gravity
of the arm and axial fixation
is used over the elbow for
forearm movement
AXIAL FIXATION
This occurs when all the ropes supporting a
part are attached to one 'S' hook which is
fixed to a point immediately above the
centre of the joint which is to be moved,
e.g. if the lower limb is to be moved at the
hip joint, two ropes, one to the foot and one
to the area of the knee, will be used and
fixed at a point immediately over the axis of
the hip joint
When such fixation is set up the movement
of the
limb will be on a flat plane level with the
floor. In this way pure angular movements
are obtained
AXIAL FIXATION
If some resistance to the muscle work is required, then the
whole fixed point is moved away from the muscles which
require resistance.
If abduction is to be resisted the fixed point is moved
towards the adductors and the limb then falls towards that
side, i.e. into adduction.
On effort the limb will now rise into abduction brought about
by isotonic shortening of the abductors, resistance being
offered by gravity.
Slow lowering into the resting position is
controlled by isotonic lengthening of the abductors, with the
movement assisted by the pull of gravity, and if at any time
the abductors relax, the leg will drop into adduction.
SAFE SLING SELECTION & USE
Sling Selection
Sling Insertion/Placement
Sling Attachment
Sling Removal
SLING SELECTION
Choosing the Appropriate Sling
Patient handling task
Patient characteristics
Lifting device
Use Patient Handling Care Plan (Algorithms)
SLING INSERTION/PLACEMENT
Method Considerations
Position of Patient
Patient medical condition/s
Patient ability to help
Safety Considerations
Patientcomfort
Sheer forces
Caregiver safety
BARRIERS TO CONSISTENT & SAFE
SLING USE
Knowledge Gaps
Awareness of sling types and designs
Technical knowledge regarding facility slings
Sizes, types, weight limits, corresponding lifts
Proper sling selection guidelines
Importance of sling safety
Sling application process
Safe sling use protocol and policy
BARRIERS TO CONSISTENT & SAFE
SLING USE
Skill Needs
Sling inspection
Sling insertion and placement
Sling attachment
Assessing patient comfort
Maintaining patient dignity
Sling removal
