Sammons Preston Gait Belt

How To Use Sammons Preston Gait Belt?

Before Use

• Inspect the belt closely. If imperfections are found or you have ordered the wrong size, contact Patterson Medical immediately. Please read instructions, and if they are not clear, consult a medical professional.

Application Instructions

• Wrap the belt around the patient;s waist with the raised buckle seam (A) on the outside in front. After directing the metal tip of the belt through the buckle, place it over the buckle;s teeth. Then slip the tip of the belt through the other side of the buckle (B). As you adjust the belt, keep in mind that it should remain secure, yet comfortable for the patient.
• When in use, the strap should always lie flat across the buckle. Any excess of the strap should be tucked under the strap (C).
• When done the adjusting, you should be able to slip your open hand flat between the belt and patient (D). You want the belt tight enough that it will not slip on the patient when in use. Take special care to grab the belt only from underneath.
• Monitor the gait belt;s effects on the patient;s skin, circulation, ROM, etc.

Care

• These Gait Belts should be hand washed and drip dry.When the belt is not being used, wipe it clean with a mild detergent no bleach, no heavy-duty cleaning products to clean. Rinse thoroughly, keeping in mind residual chemicals must be removed. Ensure that the belt is completely dry before next use.

Warnings

• Before each use, inspect the belt for damaged worn parts, broken stitching and stretched out straps. Test the belt frequently to make sure it is applied securely and will not become loose during ambulation or patient transfers.
• If the fasteners are not secure or the buckle has been damaged, dispose of the belt. Soiled or damaged belts should NEVER be used.
• Always follow your facility;s guidelines for patient monitoring. Also, follow the policies for disposing of the belt as a biohazardous item.
• Never use this gait belt as a restraint or in a moving automobile.

Contraindications

• Not advised for patients who have the following: hernias, G-tubes, colostomy, ostomy and severe Cardio Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Other contraindications include (but are not limited to): patients who have surgery incisions or are fitted with monitoring equipment, tubes, cords that could be ineffective because of pressure or pinching against the gait belt. If the gait belt could be unsafe or unsuitable, Do Not use it.

Sammons Preston Gait Belt Instruction Manual