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Being lifted off the floor by others
hello all,
I have Inclusion Body Myositis a muscle wasting disease, one of the ongoing symptoms is falls, I am a seasoned faller (Ha-Ha), as quad weakness is a primary symptom. I fell today after getting out of my wheelchair (long story) and finding myself without any means of help, left Lifeline pendant and mobile phone in house, I was in the front garden. My question to you all and MDUK, is there any defined way of lifting a person with a muscle-wasting disease off the floor? Two members of the public came by after 5 minutes and lifted me back into wheelchair, luckily no harm done to me, or them but, I felt that if I said to them this is the way you should lift me It would of been better for them and me. If there are no guidelines……maybe there should be and perhaps MDUK could get involved.
david
Reply To: Being lifted off the floor by othersThere is a wealth of information avaialble if you care to do a quick search of Mr Google or one of his friends. i used the search term “manual handling getting patient off floor”. Often you will find that special equipemtn and training is needed, at least three people should be present and so on. Much depends on your own abilities and whether you can assist the folk trying to help you in anyway.
Done wrongly damage to yourself and others could ensure, and it is possible that they could take legal action against you , say for loss of earnings if they damage themselves physically. (Strange but true, one of my surgeon friends who saved someone’s life by emergency intervention was subsequently sued by them for the scarring caused).
I am happy to be corrected on this but I might suggest that the safest way would be to have someone call the emergency services, whilst another makes you confortable. bit of a sledgehammer to crack a nut I agree, but so much voluntary help nowadays hs to be viewed in such ways.
I guess it probably sevred as a reminder for you to keep your phone and button on you at all times. I have always found things go wrong when I dont do that. However, I would agree with your suggestion That perhaps some guidelines need to be created because I guess you are not the only one who has been in this situation, and you will not be the last.Mike
So many love songs, so little love.
Reply To: Being lifted off the floor by othersTricky one. Paid carers couldn’t lift manually due to insurance.
I too was recently lifted back into chair by two good Samaritans. Think the urgency for me to get up and safe as my breathing is bad outweighed any personal risk. It was at work and they asked how I wanted it done. Two lifted me under arms and straight up. If I had fell at home my mother couldnt do this. And brother would have lifted under legs and back. But very personal thing. It’s linked to ability of the lifter. Ie age. Height. Strength.
Reply To: Being lifted off the floor by othersThanks for the replies, I also raised the question on the MYositis Friends Support Network and it was amazing as to the many different ways people had gotten lifted, with a Mangar cushion, with a bath towel under the bum, under the arms, but that would fit in with your response that it depends on age, build and how much the person can assist. One lady from the NHS said told not to do it without hoist etc…. because of risk to back. I did a google search and first item that came up was an OSHA (our HSE) website article from the States, which stated that should not be done without a hoist, but that’s oK when you are in a facility that has one and not outside!
Reply To: Being lifted off the floor by othersI agree with your thought about using a hoist, and not having one available, but it does illustrate the potential for danger to people who want to help you. I really would want to see some form of national guidance on this as it is a problem which will not go away.
I shall make some enquiries of the powers that be and see what can be gleaned.Mike
So many love songs, so little love.
Reply To: Being lifted off the floor by othersI agree with your thought about using a hoist, and not having one available, but it does illustrate the potential for danger to people who want to help you. I really would want to see some form of national guidance on this as it is a problem which will not go away.
I shall make some enquiries of the powers that be and see what can be gleaned.Mike
So many love songs, so little love.
Reply To: Being lifted off the floor by othersI have appreciated assistance when I’ve fallen publicly & have to offer a running commentary on how I need to be lifted up off my feet until my knees lock & then & only then can I take my body weight again.
I’ve only got one brother & one mate that understand this & don’t need it explained & I have complete confidence in them. The trouble is, they’re not normally around when i fall.
I once fell over at Silverstone on race day, over 100,000 people there & they all walked past until two drunks came up to me & one of them was actually in a chair. He held me head & his able bodied mate grabbed me from behind.
I don’t care if we looked like three drunks dancing whilst we struggled, I appreciated the help.
Reply To: Being lifted off the floor by othersI guess the last word was in a conversation I had in a weekly exercise session I go to locally run by the NHS and local MS Group, I asked the neuro-physio who organises it and as many have said the answer she gave and the NHS standard response was not to let anyone lift you and wait for the paramedics to do it. It seems a shame that in these days of limited resources that this has to be, however I understand the logic of it.
Reply To: Being lifted off the floor by others
I once worked in a building that had too tight a stairwell. this was in place of an evacuation chair. could be folded and stored in backpack on chair. less danger to yourself.
Reply To: Being lifted off the floor by othersanother example of the above.
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