The Safety Vest Crossover is made in two materials. The vented material is cooler but some patients may pick at the ventilation holes. The Polyester material does not have ventilation holes and is therefore a stronger material.
Sizing
As the vest crosses over at the front, the large size can reduce down in size to be small. The patient’s weight to size ratio can vary a lot. They can be very tall but very thin around the chest and hips and another very short patient can have a very large chest and hips. Sometimes a small vest is used on a tall patient and the large vest on a short patient. It may be necessary to trial the two sizes on some patients.
Fitting
Put the vest on the patient with the crossover at the front. Thread the webbing from one side through the loop on the other side of the vest. The webbing is then wrapped around the rear chair legs at the pelvic area, before fastening together and adjusting to size. The webbing is long enough for large chairs and to use in bed. On wheelchairs and smaller chairs, wrap the webbing around the pelvic area and take it across to the opposite side of the chair. The webbing should be tight enough to allow a flat hand to be placed between the webbing and the patient. If it is too loose, the patient could reposition themselves off the chair and into a dangerous position that could injure or kill them. A jumper or cardigan can be worn over the vest to look more discreet.
For Chair Use
Wrap the straps around the chair frame on both sides at the pelvic position. The straps are long enough for a large reclining chair or for use in a bed. When used on a wheelchair the surplus webbing can be wrapped around the rear of the chair to make it shorter. The buckle can be easily adjusted for size after fastening. If a patient tries to walk off, still attached to the chair, the straps could be wound around a hand rail or another permanent fixture. Another item which is an accessory to the Safety Vest is the Safety Vest Shoulder Strap (sold separately). This webbing belt is fitted around the back of the chair passing through the two loops sewn inside the Vest by the shoulder. This may help patients who bend forward and are unable to sit upright. Do not use the shoulder straps in bed.
General Public Restraint Authorisation Letter: If this product is purchased for use in a private home, we require authorisation from a suitable person. This is to ensure it will be used correctly and safely by the family and/or carers, and that using it will not be dangerous. Examples of a suitable person who is able to sign the letter are: Occupational Therapist; Physiotherapist; Clinical Nurse Manager; Registered Nurse; Doctor; or another suitably qualified person. Click here to print the letter template, and please return a copy to us when ordering. Note: This letter is not required when we send restraints to aged care facilities or hospitals, because their staff are already trained in their safe use.
Note: We are unable to sell this product to the USA.
