Can you hoist someone off the floor? The safest methods explained

According to the CDC, over one in four adults aged 65 and older falls each year, making the ability to assist a fallen loved one a critical skill. Knowing how and when you can safely hoist someone off the floor is vital for both their well-being and your own safety, preventing further injury during a stressful situation.

Quick Summary

Safely assisting a person off the floor requires careful assessment for injury and using proper techniques, often involving assistive devices. Improper manual lifting can cause harm to both the individual and the caregiver, so prioritizing equipment or trained professional help is crucial. Clear communication and a well-thought-out plan are essential for a successful transfer.

Key Points

• Assess for Injury First: Never attempt to lift a person who may have sustained an injury during a fall. Check for pain, visible wounds, or confusion before moving.

• Know When to Call for Help: If there's any sign of serious injury, if you are unsure of the person's condition, or if they are on blood thinners, call 911 immediately.

• Use Equipment for Safety: Manual lifting is risky for both parties. Utilize specialized hoisting equipment like mobile lifts or inflatable floor lifts to ensure a safe and controlled transfer.

• Avoid Brute Strength: Do not lift a person using your back. If assisting manually without equipment, use a sturdy chair and leverage their own strength to help them push up with their legs.

• Practice Fall Prevention: Implement strategies to reduce future falls, such as home modifications, regular exercise, and medication reviews, to minimize the need for lifting in the first place.

• Prioritize Caregiver Health: Protecting your own back is crucial. Never attempt to lift more than you can handle, and always use proper body mechanics or assistive devices.

Assessing the Situation and Prioritizing Safety

Before any attempt to hoist someone off the floor, the first and most important step is to assess the situation for potential injuries. Rushing to lift someone who is hurt can cause far more damage than the initial fall. Start by talking to the person calmly to understand what happened.

Crucial Pre-Lifting Checklist

• Check for injuries: Ask the person if they are in pain and where. Look for visible signs of injury like bleeding, swelling, or deformity. Never try to move someone with a suspected head, neck, back, or hip injury.
• Evaluate their condition: Check for confusion, lethargy, or signs of shock. A fall can be a symptom of a deeper medical issue, and these signs warrant a call to emergency services.
• Determine their ability: Ask if they feel they can assist in the process. Some individuals, if uninjured, can help guide themselves up with verbal cues and support.

When to Call for Professional Help

There are situations where you should never attempt to lift or hoist a person yourself. Always call 911 or your local emergency number if:

• The person is unconscious, semi-conscious, or unresponsive.
• There is visible injury, such as a broken bone, or they complain of severe pain.
• They have a head injury or are on blood thinners.
• You are physically unable to lift them safely, regardless of their condition.
• The person is too heavy or awkward to move, or they cannot bear any weight.

Emergency medical personnel have the training and equipment to perform a “lift assist” safely, protecting both you and the fallen individual.

Assisted Self-Lifting Techniques (When Uninjured)

If a thorough assessment confirms no injuries and the individual is alert and able to follow instructions, you can assist them in getting up with a piece of sturdy furniture, like a chair.

1. Bring a chair: Place a stable chair with arms next to the person's head. If possible, place a pillow under their head for comfort.
2. Roll onto side: Coach the person to roll onto their side, and then push up onto their hands and knees.
3. Use the chair: Instruct them to place their hands on the seat of the chair and use it for support as they move into a kneeling lunge position, with one foot on the floor.
4. Push to stand: Provide stability by placing your hands on their hips or using a gait belt, but do not lift their weight. Encourage them to use their legs to push themselves up. Move the chair behind them for immediate seating.

Hoisting Equipment for Safe Transfers

For individuals with limited mobility, manual lifting is not a safe or sustainable option. Specialized equipment is the safest, most dignified, and most ergonomic solution for frequent transfers.

Types of Hoisting and Lifting Equipment

• Mobile Lifts (Hoyer Lifts): These hydraulic or electric devices are wheeled and feature a sling to cradle and lift a person with minimal physical exertion from the caregiver.
• Inflatable Floor Lifts: Devices like the Mangar Elk or Camel are cushions that inflate in sections to gently lift a person from the floor to a sitting position. They are particularly useful for single-caregiver scenarios and emergency situations where the person is uninjured but cannot stand.
• Sit-to-Stand Lifts: These are designed for individuals who have some weight-bearing ability but need assistance rising from a seated to a standing position. They use slings or belts to provide support.
• Lifting Chairs: Often disguised as recliners, these chairs have motorized controls to slowly raise the person to a standing position and assist them when sitting down.

Hoisting Equipment Comparison

Feature	Manual Mobile Hoist	Electric Floor Lift	Inflatable Floor Lift
Caregiver Effort	Requires manual pumping; moderate effort.	Pushing a button; very low effort.	Controls inflation; very low effort.
Cost	Typically less expensive upfront.	Higher upfront cost; battery-operated.	Moderate cost; highly portable.
Portability	Mobile but can be bulky.	Can be rolled, but still large.	Highly portable, can be packed away.
Use Case	Regular transfers, confined spaces.	Full assistance for heavier or less mobile patients.	Fall recovery for uninjured individuals who can assist somewhat.
Safety Features	Hydraulic resistance, locking wheels.	Emergency stop, overload protection.	Controlled, gentle lifting motion.

Preventing Future Falls and Hoisting Needs

Preventative measures are the most effective way to reduce the need to hoist someone from the floor. Proactive strategies can help reduce fall risk and improve mobility over time.

• Home Safety Assessment: Declutter walkways, secure loose rugs, and install grab bars in bathrooms and stair railings.
• Medication Review: Have a doctor or pharmacist review all medications for side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, or drug interactions that increase fall risk.
• Regular Exercise: Encourage balance-improving exercises like Tai Chi or strength training to maintain mobility and stability.
• Assistive Devices: Ensure the person uses appropriate mobility aids like canes, walkers, or wheelchairs, and that they are in good working order.
• Vision Check: Annual eye exams are important, as poor vision significantly contributes to falls.

For more in-depth information on fall prevention, the National Institute on Aging provides excellent resources on creating a safer home environment: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/falls-and-older-adults/preventing-falls-home

Conclusion: Your Role in a Safe Recovery

Knowing whether you can hoist someone off the floor is not a simple yes or no question—it is a decision that requires careful assessment and a prioritization of safety. Manual lifting is almost always a bad idea due to the high risk of injury to both the fallen person and the caregiver. The safest approach is to use proper equipment or call for trained professional help if any doubt or injury is present. By understanding these guidelines, you can ensure a safer and more dignified outcome for all involved, turning a frightening moment into a controlled and calm recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is it unsafe to hoist someone off the floor manually?

It is unsafe to manually hoist someone if they are injured, unconscious, too heavy, or if you feel any strain. The risk of causing further harm to the fallen person or yourself is very high without the correct technique or equipment.

What kind of equipment is used to hoist someone off the floor?

Common equipment includes mobile patient lifts (like Hoyer lifts) that use slings, electric floor lifts, and inflatable floor lifts. For less dependent individuals, sit-to-stand devices or lift chairs can also be helpful.

How do you use a hoist for elderly people safely?

For an electric hoist, always follow the manufacturer's instructions. First, position the sling correctly under the person while they are on the floor. Then, attach the sling to the hoist's spreader bar. Use the remote control to raise them slowly and smoothly, moving them to a secure chair or bed before lowering them.

What is a 'lift assist' and when should I request one?

A 'lift assist' is when emergency medical services (EMS) are called to help lift a fallen person who is not injured but cannot get up. You should request one when you cannot safely lift the person yourself or have any concerns about their well-being after a fall.

How can a caregiver practice safe lifting techniques?

Caregivers can practice safe techniques by using their legs, not their back, keeping their spine straight, and maintaining a stable base. Using a gait belt or other transfer aids, and practicing with a non-injured person or a training dummy, can build confidence and muscle memory.

Can I prevent someone from needing to be hoisted off the floor?

Yes, many falls are preventable. Strategies include removing tripping hazards from the home, installing handrails and grab bars, ensuring proper lighting, and encouraging regular exercise to improve strength and balance.

What should I do if a fallen person is panicked or confused?

Remain calm and reassure them. Keep the person warm and comfortable, and explain what you are going to do step-by-step. If their panic or confusion seems medically related, or they hit their head, call 911 immediately.