Tuffcare Rhino Electric Patient Lift Instruction Manual

Introduction

This manual provides essential instructions for the safe and effective use of your Tuffcare Rhino Electric Patient Lift. Designed to assist with patient transfers, this lift features a manual low base and comes with a Universal Divided Leg Sling with Headrest (Medium size), supporting a weight capacity of up to 450 lbs. Proper understanding and adherence to these instructions are crucial for ensuring patient safety and extending the life of the equipment.

The Tuffcare Rhino Electric Patient Lift is engineered to reduce the risk of injury to both patients and caregivers during transfers. Its powered lift arm offers a broad range of motion, capable of lifting patients from the floor to various surfaces. The convenient foot pedal allows for easy adjustment of the base to accommodate transfers to and from wheelchairs. The electronic control system includes an emergency power cut-off switch and a detachable 24-volt 9 amp battery pack, with lifting arm control via a wired ergonomic hand pendant.

Safety Information

WARNING: Consult with your doctor before use. The end user is responsible for the safe and proper use of this equipment. The buyer relinquishes any liability of the product from the seller. Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

• Always ensure the patient lift is on a stable, level surface before operation.
• Verify that all components are securely attached and functioning correctly before each use.
• Never exceed the maximum weight capacity of 450 lbs.
• Ensure the emergency stop button is accessible and understood by all operators.
• Always engage the wheel brakes when the lift is stationary and during patient transfers.
• Never leave a patient unattended in the lift.
• Regularly inspect the sling for any signs of wear or damage. Replace immediately if any damage is found.
• Familiarize yourself with the manual lowering mechanism for emergency situations.

Components Overview

The Tuffcare Rhino Electric Patient Lift consists of several key components designed for safe and efficient operation:

• Powered Lift Arm: Provides vertical lifting and lowering of the patient.
• Manual Low Base: Adjustable base width for stability and maneuverability.
• Control Unit: Houses the electronic controls, emergency stop, and battery indicator.
• Detachable Battery Pack: Provides power to the lift.
• Ergonomic Hand Pendant: Wired remote for controlling lift arm movement.
• Casters with Brakes: Wheels for mobility, with locking brakes for stability.
• Universal Divided Leg Sling with Headrest: The patient support accessory.

Figure 1: Overview of the Tuffcare Rhino Lift with key components labeled, including ergonomic hand grips, detachable battery, emergency stop, adjustable legs, foot pedals, and rear locking casters.

Figure 2: Detailed dimensions of the Tuffcare Rhino Lift, showing height, width, and length measurements for proper placement and storage.

Setup and Assembly

Follow these steps to assemble your Tuffcare Rhino Electric Patient Lift. It is recommended to have two people for assembly.

1. Unpack all components from the box and lay them out on a clean, flat surface.
2. Lock both rear casters on the base.
3. Lift the mast and align it with the mounting bracket on the base. Secure it with the provided pins.
4. Release the two ring chains from the mast.
5. Position the hi-low actuator between the mast bracket, ensuring the motor faces you. Secure it with pins.
6. Place the control unit onto the mounting bracket and secure it.
7. Lift up on the handle on the back of the battery base and slide the battery pack into the control unit until it clicks into place.
8. Plug the hand pendant and actuator cords into their appropriate positions on the control unit.
9. Ensure all parts are stable and securely fastened before initial use.

Operating Instructions

Before operating the lift, ensure the emergency stop button is disengaged (turned clockwise until it pops out). The lift will not function if the emergency stop is engaged.

Basic Functions

• Lifting/Lowering: Use the up/down buttons on the hand pendant to raise or lower the lift arm.
• Base Adjustment: Use the foot pedal on the base to widen or narrow the legs for stability or to maneuver around obstacles.
• Brakes: Push down on the brake levers on the casters to lock the wheels. Lift the levers to release.

Using the Universal Divided Leg Sling with Headrest

This sling is designed for patients who require head support and are unable to move themselves. It is ideal for surface-to-surface transfers.

1. Roll the patient onto their side.
2. Position the sling under the patient, ensuring the headrest is correctly placed and the leg sections are aligned.
3. Roll the patient back onto their back, then onto the other side to pull the sling through.
4. Ensure the patient is centered on the sling.
5. Lower the swivel bar of the lift and attach the sling straps to the appropriate hooks. Color-coded straps allow for height and angle adjustment.
6. Slowly elevate the patient using the hand pendant.
7. Once elevated, transport the patient to the desired location.
8. Lower the patient gently onto the new surface.
9. Unhook the sling straps and carefully remove the sling by rolling the patient to one side.

Figure 3: A patient comfortably seated in the Universal Divided Leg Sling with Headrest, being prepared for transfer by a caregiver using the Tuffcare Rhino Lift.

Using the Hip Lift Strap (Optional Accessory)

The Hip Lift Strap is an optional accessory used to gently elevate a patient's arm or leg to perform limb or hip lift, providing caregivers easy access for cleaning, changing, and care delivery needs.

1. Start by centering the gray anti-slip liner of the hip lift strap facing up.
2. Place the strap under the patient's thigh, just above the knee.
3. Wrap the strap around the patient's thigh, securing the inner layer tightly with Velcro on the outside.
4. Insert one end of the strap into the yellow strap on the opposite side, all the way through until it stops.
5. Repeat the process for the other leg if needed.
6. Position the Rhino Lift swivel bar right above the straps.
7. Hang the end straps to each of the swivel bar hooks to balance the weight evenly. Different colors indicate the desired height.
8. Elevate the Rhino Lift to raise the patient's hips/legs.
9. Once elevated, you have quick access for cleaning and changing.
10. Once done, lower the patient and detach the hip lift straps from the swivel bar.

Figure 4: Reference guide for Universal Slings with Headrest, showing suggested weight ranges and shoulder circumference for different sizes (Small, Medium, Large, X-Large).

Operating Full Body Sling from Surface to Surface (Optional Accessory)

The Full Body Sling is an optional accessory used for patients who are unable to move by themselves and require surface-to-surface transfers.

1. Roll the sling up tightly from the bottom.
2. Lay the rolled-up full body sling on one side of the patient, aligning the top next to the patient's head.
3. Cross the patient's hands over their chest. Bend the patient's leg and gently push them onto their side.
4. Unroll the sling halfway and return the patient to their original position on their back.
5. Repeat the process on the other side and fully unroll the sling, ensuring the patient is centered.
6. Push the Rhino Lift and position the swivel bar right above the patient's chest.
7. Lower the swivel bar and attach the sling straps to the appropriate hooks.
8. Elevate the patient using the hand pendant.
9. Transport the patient to the desired surface (e.g., wheelchair).
10. Lower the patient gently onto the new surface.
11. Unhook all four straps and push away the Rhino Lift.
12. Remove the sling by rolling the patient to one side.

Maintenance

• Battery Charging: The lift will only charge when the red emergency stop knob is released (turned clockwise). Plug the charging cord into the control unit and then into a wall outlet. The display will show charging status.
• Cleaning: Clean the lift frame with a mild detergent and water. Do not use abrasive cleaners.
• Sling Care: Follow the care instructions provided with your sling. Typically, slings can be machine washed and air-dried.
• Inspection: Regularly inspect all moving parts, fasteners, and electrical connections for wear, damage, or looseness. Tighten any loose fasteners.

Troubleshooting

• Lift Not Operating: Check if the emergency stop button is engaged. Turn it clockwise to release. Ensure the battery pack is properly inserted and charged. Verify all cords are securely plugged into the control unit.
• Lift Moving Slowly: The battery may be low. Plug the lift into a power outlet to charge.
• Unstable Lift: Ensure the base legs are fully extended for maximum stability, especially during transfers. Check that casters are locked when stationary.
• Actuator Spinning: Ensure the red knob on the top end of the hi-low actuator drive shaft is properly in place. If it continues to spin, it may disable the lift's functions.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

The Tuffcare Rhino Electric Patient Lift includes a one-year electronic component coverage and extended frame support. For any questions, technical assistance, or warranty claims, please contact Tuffcare customer support. Refer to your purchase documentation for specific contact details or visit the official Tuffcare website.