I just started working in a new hospital and was told there is a Lift Team available. Basically, they hired a group of big burly young guys who could pass the firefighters physical challenge. They are available all shifts by pager and help with difficult transfers, bariatric patients, sedated patients, etc.

Does anyone else have a Lift Team in their hospital and do you think it helps make your job easier? Any evidence that it decreases back injuries?

Thanks!

I used to work in a 710 bed level one trauma center and I was on the hospital committee for implementing a Lift Team. We went to Tampa General Hospital and Tampa VA where they have wonderful teams and they do research at the VA - very impressive facility.

Our lift team consisted of normal-sized folks with equipment: hoyer lifts, gait belts, slide-sheets, equipment mounted in the ceilings for transferring the larger patients - it was totally wonderful.

I worked in the ER and our use of the lift Team was limited since they couldn't always come as quick as we needed them. However, we physically had more staff too so that helped.

The staff nurses on the floors/ICUs loved them. Here's the website:

http://www.osfsaintfrancis.org

Lift teams should be mandatory by law in every health care facility in the country. You work for a very good place. I bet they take care of their nurses in other ways, too.

I agree!!! I have had 3 spine surgeries by the age of 34. I think it is a bunch of crap they can't have this at other facilities.

Our facility has lift teams. Until recently, they were 'day shift only' but now we have 'em nights as well (I'm TOTALLY doing the "happy snoopy" dance).

Most of 'em are 'regular size' guys (and a couple of females) but they are well versed in technique and proper equipment. When we need to move a 'heavy hitter', they are a godsend. We call 'em to help roll over and hold some of our 400+ pounders, and they always do a fine job. We are glad to have them.

we have an "orderly" 24/7 for stuff

we also have sarahs, maxilifts

we get regular inservices on techniques and back safety

Yes...my facility uses them.....................thank goodness!

In the UK hospitals have a no lift policy and you have to use the equipment provided and have annual training on using the equipment. Makes a great saving on your back. We had alsorts of equipment to use, hoists, slide sheets, moving belts

I agree!!! I have had 3 spine surgeries by the age of 34. I think it is a bunch of crap they can't have this at other facilities.

The worst is when dinosaur management spouts their blaming-the-nurse mantra of "if you hurt yourself it's your fault because you are using improper technique." And they wonder why they can't recruit or retain nurses, especially to these rehab and SNF places?

Yes I worked in a hospital where they had a lift team it was great