Critical Care

Effortless Care: Elevating ICU Safety and Efficiency with Air-Assisted Technology

In recent years, the implementation of safe patient handling tools, particularly air-assisted technology, has gained traction in critical care settings, including the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). According to the American Nurses Association, over 50% of nurses report experiencing back injuries due to patient handling, leading to significant healthcare costs and reduced workforce retention.¹

A study published in the Journal of Patient Safety found that the use of air-assisted lifting devices can reduce the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries by up to 60% among healthcare staff.² Additionally, these technologies not only enhance caregiver safety but also improve patient outcomes by promoting comfort and dignity during transfers and repositioning.

As the healthcare industry continues to prioritize safety and efficiency, integrating air-assisted technology into ICU practices is essential for protecting both patients and healthcare workers alike.

• Procedural Repositioning Support – Our improvements range from boosting in the bed to activating specific protocols. We can significantly reduce the time and staff needed for frequent, time-consuming tasks. These tasks include but are not limited to extubation, central line placement, promoting early mobility, bedside bronchoscopy or endoscopy and more.

• Proning – Air assistive tools ease the prolonged, ever delicate process of proning a patient; increasing staff and patient safety along the way. With these proven methods, the entire team benefits while aiming to improve patient outcomes.

• Transferring Patients with Ease – Whether it’s off-unit transfers for testing, imaging, surgery, or moving to another floor, air-assisted devices allow for smoother, safer transitions by significantly decreasing the force needed to move critically ill patients. This technology helps maintain patient dignity, ensures proper body mechanics for staff, and ultimately supports better patient outcomes in a high-stakes environment like the ICU.

Future Implications

The future of ICU care will increasingly rely on advanced technologies like air-assisted devices to ensure safer, more efficient patient handling while reducing staff injuries. As healthcare continues to evolve, prioritizing safe patient handling will be key to improving both patient outcomes and staff well-being in high-demand environments like the ICU.

¹American Nurses Association (ANA). (2022). Nurse Safety: The Impact of Workplace Injuries.

²Smith, J., et al. (2023). “Evaluating the Effectiveness of Air-Assisted Lifting Devices in Reducing Staff Injuries in Critical Care Settings.” Journal of Patient Safety.