FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Currently the SDS Transfer Vest is NOT reimbursed although we have submitted the product and paperwork to Medicare in hopes of obtaining reimbursement by the first quarter of 2010.

Before attempting to use this product, be sure that you have the ability to support the patient. This is especially necessary if the patient is large or heavy, the caregiver is petite, or the person being transferred requires two people to provide a safe transfer. It is very important to ensure you have the right size vest and it fits securely to the patient by pulling the Velcro flaps to where the vest will not slip during transfer.

It is extremely important to follow the proper lifting protocol. The caregiver should properly align the feet of the patient facing outward, then place one foot between the patient's feet, back straight, and then pull the patient toward the caregiver at a 90° angle so that the upper torso of the patient is directly above the patient's feet. NEVER PULL THE PATIENT IN A VERTICAL DIRECTION.

Measure in two places to ensure you get the right vest size. First, measure just under the armpits, followed by another measurement approximately 1 inch above the naval. Out of the two diameters, choose a vest size based on the largest measurment. Please note, the current vest is not suitable for patients endowed with large breasts, our new line addressing this will be available the first quarter of 2010.

• XS 24-28 inches
• Small 28-33 inches
• Medium 33-38 inches
• Large 38-44 inches
• XL 44-48 inches

Since the vest is made of Neoprene, it CANNOT be laundered; hand wash and hang dry.

In this case it is recommended to use the handles located on the back to transfer rather than the handles at the clavicle area, especially if there is only one caregiver. Be sure and use the same technique, placing the caregiver's knee in between the patient's knees, keep your back straight, while bending your knees and pulling forward and up using a 90° angle.

The leg straps are to keep the vest on larger patients from sliding upward on the torso during the transfer process. With larger patients/loved ones, we recommend a two person transfer.

The purpose of the bib is to protect the garment during meals, as well as for patients who might have a tendency to drool.

ABSOLUTELY NOT! The safety strap is to ensure that the Velcro flaps stay secure during the transfer process. Never grab safety strap during the transfer.

The current vest is not made for this type of patient, although we have addressed this issue with our new model which should be available the first quarter of 2010.

The current vest was manufactured for patients who are simply attempting to maintain their existing quality of life (i.e. elderly patients, or those diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, etc). If you plan to use the vest for rehabilitating the patient improve their gait (i.e. stroke patient or car accident), our new Physical Therapy belt will have a strap, similar to a gait belt, attached to the bottom of the vest.

While the product is anti-microbial, we highly recommended to use the current vest for patient-specific or single person usage.