Second Step Inc.
Second Step Products Available:
Original Gait Harness System
®-
GHS1000
Adult Gait Harness System ®-
GHS3000
Pediatric Gait Harness System ®-
GHS2000
Complete Gait Harness System
®-
GHS9000
Second Step USA, Inc. has introduced a new type of assistive device with
an innovative system that can improve the safety and security of
supporting and ambulating residents in nursing homes and other
facilities. It has been
incorporated into a nursing home safety program developed by a major
worker's compensation company.
Both worker's compensation companies and OSHA are
focusing on the staff injuries occurring in nursing homes.
These injuries are generally caused by improper lifting,
repetitive strains and falls. Problems and injuries generally occur when staff are manually
handling residents. This
new technology addresses the widespread problem of injuries associated
with supporting residents who are attempting to ambulate.
The designers of the Second Step Therapeutic
Ambulator/Gait Harness System have developed a device that completely
encircles the resident with a comfortable padded frame.
A supportive gait harness attaches within the frame and
provides added padding to protect soft tissue, and hand-holds on both
sides and the back to allow therapists the ability to manage residents
more safely and easily. The
system allows greater control which helps to facilitate additional
therapy opportunities. The lower support works in conjunction with a
thoracic belt to distribute the weight more evenly.
The Therapeutic Gait Harness uses a quick-release
buckle, three hand-holds and a broad interface between the patient and
the harness. The lower
harness, which connects with a detachable zipper, secures the lower
portion of the patient's body with straps around the thighs.
The Gait Harness is available in three sizes: small, medium and
large.
With the Second Step Therapeutic Ambulator/Gait
Harness System, residents are supported from their waist, instead of
the care givers holding them up.
It is designed to encourage proper
body alignment by
distributing the weight evenly, and reducing the labor needed during
ambulatory therapy. Preventing injuries to both residents and caregivers with
less concentration on pressure areas, less awkward body posture, and a
more even distribution of weight are just a few of the benefits of
using the Second Step Therapeutic Ambulator/Gait Harness System.
Studies publicized by OSHA reveal that nursing aides
perform 20 to 60 lifts per day. Each
of these lifts has the potential for a back injury or a strain.
In 1994, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing
homes ranked third in injury rates, exceeded only by meat processing
and vehicle/equipment manufacturing plants.
Such statistics have made these activities the focus of many
safety programs.
A recent Ergonomics program from OSHA is designed
with a component for nursing homes to facilitate patient handling to
prevent injuries. In
addition, OSHA may encourage nursing homes to use new types of
equipment and devices as part of the intervention measures for
preventing injuries to both staff and residents.
Case studies have shown that nursing homes that train
staff in proper lifting techniques and utilize equipment can
dramatically reduce injuries from pulled muscles, strains, twists,
poor body mechanics and cumulative lifting.
The Second Step Therapeutic Ambulator/Gait Harness System may
be the answer for nursing homes that want to prevent injuries and
lower their worker's compensation, claims and premiums, potentially
reducing the number of staff necessary to ambulate residents and
strengthening their facilities rehabilitation programs.
A Multi-Function Device
Second Step USA designed the Second Step Therapeutic
Ambulator/Gait Harness System as a multi-function device.
Not only does it promote safety during physical therapy, it also
helps nursing staff support residents during ambulation and restorative
nursing activities. Caregivers
no longer have to resort to potentially dangerous postures which may
cause injuries. Consequently,
caregivers find it easier to maintain control when they ambulate
residents with the system. Some
of the other benefits of the Second Step Therapeutic Ambulator/Gait
Harness System are:
- The higher degree of support and comfort makes
residents feel more secure, and thus more inclined to participate in
their therapy programs at an earlier stage of their recovery
process.
- The support system makes it easier for therapists to
provide lateral support and keep patients in an upright posture in
order to provide an effective environment to efficiently train
residents.
- The broad interface between the gait harness and the
body makes therapy safer and more comfortable for the resident.
- The combination of upper and lower support improves
the positioning of the resident's body during both passive and
active sessions, in order to maximize the utilization of gait
training methods.
The additional support may also have other benefits
for nursing programs. Since
the device distributes the weight more evenly and reduces stress during
therapy, residents may be able to participate in their therapies
allowing greater opportunities to get results.
For more information about the Second Step
Therapeutic Ambulator/Gait Harness System, contact
RJM
and Associates or submit the information request below.
Second Step has developed a simple
way to prevent injuries for caregivers and residents while at the same
time increasing the efficiencies of treatments by caregivers
The Therapeutic Ambulator/Gait
Harness System designed by Physical Therapists to:
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Provide injury prevention
through a safe and dynamic therapy system that allows therapists to
work effectively by eliminating possible falls by residents.
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Progress residents earlier
and advance functional programs faster through the therapeutic support
system
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Help Build residents confidence
in ambulation therapies and thus allow earlier participation and
effective treatments by Therapists.
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Create a therapy environment
that eliminates the need to continuously hold on to the resident in
order to provide support required during gait training.
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Create confidence
in their
therapy programs while increasing resident's independence.
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Have a positive impact
on the
effectiveness of rehabilitation therapies and mobility outcomes
reinforcing the role of caregivers.
For more information on the Second Step Inc. product line, please call RJM & Associates (407) 644-8144.
