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Case Study
Caring for bariatric patients
The relocation of Plus-Size patients in confined spaces presents unique challenges that require careful planning, innovative solutions, and a deep understanding of the equipment. During my 18 years working in patient moving and handling, I had the opportunity to lead such an evacuation, identifying areas where traditional methods were often overly complicated.
In one well-known case, 15 vehicles and 39 personnel were required to move a patient over six hours, an approach that consumed significant resources.
Recent Collaborative
Evacuation
For the evacuation I led, fewer people were needed due to the detailed plan and bespoke equipment I utilised. Working with GBUK Banana’s Flojac, Evac Pro Plus, slide sheets, and lateral boards, I crafted a risk assessment and evacuation plan that could dynamically adapt to unforeseen challenges and ensure the patient’s safety and dignity throughout.
Risk Assessment: The Foundation for Precision
The success of the evacuation was rooted in a thorough risk assessment. This involved factoring in weather conditions, task complexity, and the patient’s unique needs, all of which informed the tailored evacuation plan. A critical part of this was conducting a run-through of the entire process before the actual move. This preparation highlighted potential issues such as tight spaces, angles, and door frames that could otherwise have been problematic during the move.
Weather was also a significant factor, and relying on the easiest route without considering external elements would have been risky. On the day of the evacuation, heavy rain confirmed the importance of choosing the safest route rather than the easiest. Having a solid foundation with adaptable solutions allowed the team to navigate the challenges presented by the conditions, ensuring both the patient’s well-being and the efficiency of the move.
Evacuation Plan: Flexible and Adaptable
The evacuation plan was designed to be flexible while maintaining a strict focus on safety. The chosen route, while not the easiest, was selected for its ability to minimise risk. Real-time changes were anticipated, allowing the team to adjust quickly as required. Despite the heavy rain, the preparation ensured smooth transitions and seamless adjustments, keeping the patient’s dignity intact. By carefully balancing preparation with adaptability, the plan ensured that unforeseen obstacles were handled without disrupting the overall success of the move.
Pre-Planning and Site Walk-Through
A thorough pre-planning phase was essential to the move’s success. The site walk-through allowed the team to identify potential issues early, such as raised lips, tight angles, and narrow exits. These could have caused delays or complications during the evacuation, but addressing them beforehand ensured a smooth process. This close inspection of key areas allowed us to refine the plan, avoiding interruptions on the day of the move. By conducting this detailed walk-through, we were able to focus on the patient’s safety and comfort without having to deal with unexpected obstacles.
Patient Comfort: A Core Focus
Throughout the entire process, the patient’s dignity and comfort were paramount. Moves like this can create significant anxiety, so open communication was key. We made it a priority to involve the patient at every stage, explaining each step and checking in regularly to ensure they were comfortable. Although air devices and slide sheets were considered, the patient expressed a desire to participate in the move, offering some assistance to retain a sense of control. This involvement was vital in easing their anxiety and making the experience as comfortable and respectful as possible.
Innovative Techniques for Seamless Transitions
Navigating the challenges of the evacuation required not just the right equipment but also the trust in the team’s ability to use it effectively. Reducing friction was a critical factor in maintaining both the patient’s comfort and the carers’ safety. By introducing track wheels, we allowed the patient to glide smoothly through door frames with minimal resistance. The use of GBUK Banana’s slide sheets and lateral boards enhanced the fluidity of the movement, ensuring continuity through tight spaces.
When faced with narrow pathways and other obstacles, GBUK Banana’s adaptable range provided effective solutions, turning challenges into opportunities for innovative problem-solving. This combination of equipment and out-of-the-box thinking made the transitions seamless, reinforcing the importance of adaptability in complex situations
Controlled Descent with Specialised Equipment
Choosing the safest route over the easiest presented a number of challenges, including steps, deeper drops, and a narrow exit gate. To manage these safely, we used longer extension straps to provide stability and control for the carers during the descent. Lateral boards were employed to guide the patient safely down the steps, reducing strain on the carers. When faced with a particularly deep step, the Flo F3 mat was introduced, creating an extra step to bridge the gap and ensuring the patient could move through the gate safely and comfortably. This use of specialised equipment was crucial in maintaining both patient safety and carer support throughout the move.
Arrival and Transition with Dignity
Maintaining the patient’s dignity was a constant focus, especially as the evacuation drew the attention of neighbours. A transfer to a trolley on the street would have undermined the patient’s dignity, so we worked with the ambulance team to arrange a direct transfer into the vehicle using the Flojac. This not only preserved the patient’s privacy but also ensured a secure transfer. The device was safely secured in the ambulance, allowing for a discreet and smooth journey to their new home. Once there, the patient was comfortably settled into their adapted living space, ensuring both their dignity and comfort were upheld throughout.
Precision, Compassion, and Innovation
From the initial risk assessment to the final transition into the patient’s new home, every stage of this evacuation demonstrated the effectiveness of precision, adaptability, and innovative thinking. The ability to create solutions on the spot while maintaining confidence in the plan allowed us to navigate obstacles efficiently. This approach not only safeguarded the patient’s well-being but also highlighted how complex evacuations can be managed with fewer resources, setting a high standard for Plus-Size care in challenging environments.
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