Lifting hoists help lower or lift a load. In hospitals, there are plenty of heavy objects that need to be moved. However, this article will concentrate on patient lifts. These are medical lifts that help move patients in care centres, hospitals, and even homes. The idea here is to move the patient without exposing them to harm.
If you are looking for a lifting hoist for sale, the first thing you will need to consider is whether it is for ambulatory or non-ambulatory patients. Most of these hoists will have a support base, an upper and lower frame, and a hoisting mechanism. It is also common for them to have slings and wheels. The most common types of hoists include:
The manual and the power lift
A manual lift will have the patient using a lever to lower them. The primary feature of the manual lift is that it needs no power source. It requires a gearing mechanism to work correctly. There are also alternatives to the manual lift that need batteries or electric power. They typically have a motor and a rechargeable battery. Power lifts are often big even though there are recent models that are smaller for easier portability.
Hydraulic and sit-to-stand lifts
A hydraulic lift can be powered or manually operated. It will need a hydraulic fluid to function properly. The benefit of this fluid is that the lift will need minimal cranking energy, which works well for the patient. Sit-to-stand lifts are mostly used to help the patient stand. The devices often have belts or straps, but the patient has to rely on their strength to lift themselves. The most significant advantage of these lifts is that they are often narrow and so they fit into doorways easily.
Heavy-duty lifts
Sometimes called bariatric lifts, these hoists are made to accommodate people with a weight exceeding 500 pounds. These lifts are often extra wide and made of steel to support this weight. They have large casters and can fold easily so that they store well. Most of them also have cradles designed to improve their stability.
Bath and pool lifts
For disabled people who desire to access the swimming pool, the pool lift comes in handy. It is often waterproof and follows particular and strict industry requirements. Alongside the bath lift, the two are meant to help mobility for impaired individuals. The only difference is that the bath lift is for the bathtub. Many of the bath and pool lifts can be disassembled easily for storage and are portable.
Wheelchair lifts
These lifts are like small elevators meant to help a patient on a wheelchair to move between levels. They can be used to change pathways and platforms. They are usually power-dependent and remote-controlled.
Regardless of the type of hoist, care and maintenance are crucial since lives often depend on them. As a rule of thumb, when working with any of the lifts, always make sure that the machine works correctly before getting the patient on it. What was meant to save a life could otherwise be the end of one.
