Product Applications: Lifting More Comfortably

Safety is one of the biggest concerns in EMS when handling a patient. Making sure the patient is comfortable is another focal point.

Mangar International’s Elk Lifting Cushion helps providers cover both of those areas.

The compact, battery-powered cushion inflates with the push of a button to help patients reach a seated position, making it easier for them to stand.

Chris Mulberry, assistant chief paramedic of Platte Valley Ambulance Service, says his agency has been using the lifting cushion and is very satisfied with the results.

“The nice part is that it’s not big and it’s not heavy,” Mulberry says.

The cushion is applicable for use on patients of any age.

Chris Lokits of Louisville Metro EMS says the lifting cushion is “a blessing.”

“Being by myself doing lift assist, I was confident that I could successfully get the patient up without hurting them or myself,” Lokits says.

Mulberry says the cushion is especially useful when handling older patients.

“With elderly people, some have more fragile skin because they’re on certain medications,” Mulberry says. “The cushion makes it more safe and more comfortable, and makes it so you’re not just grabbing or yanking.”

Lokits says some elderly patients had concerns at first that the cushion was not stable, but after some explanation and doing his best to keep the patient stable, those concerns subsided.

The lifting cushion also allows the provider to come in less contact with any bodily fluids or waster from a patient because it requires less contact, Lokits says.

Prior to using the Elk Lifting Cushion, Mulberry says his agency just lifted patients manually.

The cushion, designed for either indoor or outdoor use, makes it so providers can shimmy or roll a patient onto the cushion.

Lokits says that although some pushing, pulling or lifting is still required to get the patient positioned correctly on the cushion, it prevents providers from having to deadlift patients, reducing the risk for personal injury.

Lokits says this is invaluable.

Even though some contact with the patient is still required, Lokits says the product increases safety for both the patient and the provider.

“I believe this device will pay for itself in the long run with a decrease in IODs and workman’s compensation claims,” Lokits says. “The device provides additional safety for the crews, not to mention the safety provided for the patient we are lifting.”

Mulberry also says the device is durable.

“When you see the pictures, it doesn’t look too rugged,” Mulberry says. “EMS people are hard on equipment, but this product stands up to any EMS use.”

Lokits says the majority of the device is easy to clean when using the appropriate cleaner.

To learn more about the Mangar Elk Lifting Cushion or other products, visit mangarusa.com.