Sage Products launches NEW Prevalon™ Liftaem® Mobile Patient Transfer System

Innovative system helps protect healthcare workers from becoming patients due to injuries suffered during lateral patient transfers

CARY, IL, February 19, 2015  Sage Products LLC announced the launch of the Prevalon^TM Liftaem^® Mobile Patient Transfer System to protect healthcare workers by helping to reduce the cumulative effects of handling thousands of pounds of weight from multiple patient transfers throughout a routine shift.

Nurses lose an average of 35,800 workdays each year as a result of musculoskeletal injury, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.¹ Over time, lifting and pulling motions required when moving patients to various surfaces can lead to debilitating back, shoulder, elbow and wrist injuries. Laboratory testing has shown that the Prevalon Liftaem System requires 88% less exertion to transfer patients than current practice.²

Its staggering to hear so many personal injury stories from people in healthcare. The Liftaem System is unique because its an intervention specially made to protect healthcare workers. Its a true innovation, designed to prevent healthcare worker injury and improve safe patient handling. Its easy to implement, simple to use and prevents nurses and patient care techs from becoming patients themselves, stated Jim Layer, VP of New Product Development, Sage Products.

The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) specifies the need for using a lateral transfer device in the perioperative setting, while the American Nurses Association (ANA) emphasizes the importance of reducing the physical requirements of high-risk tasks.

The Liftaem System uses a cushion of air to move patients of all sizes laterally from one surface to another with significantly less pulling and without the need for lifting. Unique from other lateral transfer alternatives, Liftaem is a point-of-care system. The mobile blower cart accommodates a dispenser carton of Liftaem mattresses for immediate accessibility by staff members. To solve the issue of cross contamination due to soiling, the mattress surface features a material that is easily wiped clean, extending the use of the product throughout a patients hospital stay. When used in conjunction with an evidence-based protocol, the Liftaem System can help reduce injuries and eliminate potential costs to healthcare systems.

Our goal is to help ease the physical demands on staff when transferring multiple patients every day. They have a tough job that can lead to serious injuries that can end careers. The Liftaem System is always nearby and ready to help reduce their injury risk, give them confidence and help them deliver the best possible care to their patients said Terry Boersma, VP of Marketing, Sage Products.

The Prevalon Liftaem System now joins the Prevalon” Turn and Position System and the Prevalon” Seated Positioning System to enhance Sage Products leadership position in the field of healthcare worker safety and safe patient handling.

To schedule a free current practice assessment and learn more about the Liftaem System, healthcare professionals are asked to contact their local Sage Products Sales Representative at 1-800-323-2220, or visit http://www.sageproducts.com.

REFERENCES: 1. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Industry Injury and Illness Data (2007). http://www.bls.gov/iif/oshwc/osh/case/ostb1942.pdf. Accessed October 15, 2013. 2. Testing conducted by Sage Products LLC, data on file.