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4.1 Operating the Vacuum Mattress
1. Put the mattress on an even surface near the patient, trying to avoid any sharp objects that may be on the ground.
Check that the valve is closed by turning clockwise until fully closed, if needed then twist anti-clockwise ½ a turn to
open the valve. Note that the cap should not be removed from the valve at any time during operation, to avoid it
getting lost.
2. Position and adjust the mattress on the floor so that there is an even distribution of granules along all areas of the
vac mattress, and that it is flat ready to take the patient, with restraint straps unbuckled and not underneath the vac
mattress
3. Check that the valve is closed by turning it full clockwise until it feels tight, and then connects the pump.
4. Place the injured patient in the medically desired position on the mattress, utilising standard adopted manual
handling procedures, utilising supplementary equipment such as Scoop and slide sheets to aid in safe transfer of the
patient.
5. Make sure to support stabilisation of the patient head and neck. Mould the mattress around the patient body to give
effective immobilisation, such that it becomes stable and comfortable to the patient. Mould up some of the granular
material in the base of the mattress between the legs of the patient. Ensure that the head flaps are positioned
effectively around the patient's head and ensure the head strap is attached
6. Connect the patient restraint straps according to the colour code, from legs to chest, and tighten them one by one. X
Chest belts are red and light blue. Cross them over the chest.
Caution! Make sure that the vacuum mattress is not pressing on top of the patient's head or on the soles of their feet
7. Evacuate the air using the vacuum pump and continue moulding the mattress around the patient's body as more air
is removed and as the mattress becomes more rigid. Tighten the restraint straps further as the vac mattress
becomes stiffer to give better moulding around the patient. Check that there is no additional pressure to the top of
head or under the feet. Check that the unit is stable, give good immobilization and is comfortable for the patient.
8. The patient is now ready to be transported.
4.2 Use of the Vacuum Mattress as a Stretcher/Transfer Mattress:
The Vacuum Mattress can be used as a Stretcher/Transfer Mattress, when the air is not removed from the unit.
1. Ensure that the vac mattress valve is opened to allow air top flow into the mattress. Fold the side sections of the
mattress over, such that the two side sections meet in the middle and lay flat over the base of the mattress.
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