Manual Handling

"The human form is an awkward burden to lift or carry.  Weighing up to 100kg or more, it has no handles, it is not rigid and it is liable to severe damage if mishandled or dropped.  In bed a patient is placed inconveniently for lifting, and placing of such a load in such a situation would be tolerated by few industrial workers".

“The nurses back” – The Lancet 1965

Training courses run by DJS Training, are there to assist nurses to integrate manual handling principles into nursing practice. The complete training system consists of a student guide that the student not only uses during their training but also gets to retain as a reference text to use if necessary at a later date. Organised small group practices are then run to provide the student with the opportunity to practice all skills taught prior to any formal unit standard assessment. These practices are run under the guidance and encouragement of the course facilitator.

Specific Techniques

• Moving in bed
• Getting in and out of bed
• Sitting and standing
• Transfers to and from the bed
• Assisted walking
• Assisting from the floor

What is patient handling?

"Patient handling is a specialized area of manual handling. It includes any task that involves moving or supporting a patient including carrying, pushing, pulling, lifting and lowering. Handling a person is more complex and unpredictable than handling an object. People may be heavy or hard to grip and must be treated with dignity, respect and consideration for their capabilities".
(ACC)

Lifting and transferring of patients are the most commonly reported causes of back pain and knee and shoulder injury among healthcare workers.
Most programs for the prevention of back and joint injury to healthcare personnel tend to focus on proper lifting techniques, body mechanics and back care.
But many researchers now recommend ergonomics approach that focuses on workplace assessment of patient care areas, patient assessment criteria, algorithms for safe patient handling and movement, lifting and transfer equipment, peer-safety leaders, lifting teams, incident reviews and similar policies.
We are a dedicated in providing high quality, environmentally friendly, manual handling aids for nursing homes, care homes, hospitals and for individuals at home.

How do we book for Manual Handling training?

Simple! - just get in touch.  We are very flexible and will work with you to arrange dates and times suitable to yourself and your workforce. Click here for further details.