Safer Together: Reducing Repositioning and Lateral Transfer Risks for Patients and Caregivers

Two Sides of the Same Risk

Lateral transfers and repositioning in healthcare settings are routine but high-risk tasks. What’s often

overlooked is that these actions endanger both caregivers and patients if done manually or with improper equipment.

• For caregivers, these tasks often exceed safe biomechanical limits. The result? Increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), fatigue, and lost time injuries.[1] Reducing risks of physical strain with the right equipment isn’t just safer, it’s a staffing necessity.

• For patients, improper transfers can cause friction and shear, leading to pressure injuries, pain, or even falls during movement.[2] A single advanced ulcer can cost $21,000 or more to treat.[3] Preventing that with friction-reducing equipment is a clear win for patient safety and cost savings.

The solution lies in working safer, and with the right tools. Let's explore what is available for reducing repositioning and lateral transfer risks for patients and caregivers

Safety Risks in Lateral Transfers & Repositioning

Risk Type	Caregiver Impact	Patient Impact
Overexertion	Back, shoulder, or wrist injuries	Rough handling, instability during movement
Shear and Friction	Awkward positions, slipping grips	Pressure injuries, skin breakdown
Insufficient Staffing	Lateral transfers done manually	Delayed repositioning or rushed care

Even with proper technique, manual methods fall short of clinical safety standards. According to the NIOSH lifting equation, most repositioning tasks exceed safe load limits, making injury nearly inevitable over time.[4]

Safe Solutions That Protect Both Sides of the Bed

Let’s explore four smart equipment solutions designed specifically to address these safety concerns:

BridgeSTAR™ System

Problem Solved: Friction and shear during frequent turning & repositioning

BridgeSTAR System

Best for: Frequent turning protocols and skin integrity preservation

The BridgeSTAR System is a comprehensive, single-patient-use solution that includes breathable repositioning sheets, optional air-assisted mattresses (BridgeAIR+STAR), absorbent protection pads (BreatheDRY™), and supportive wedges for turning. It allows staff to perform Q2 turns without full manual lifting, reducing both physical strain and pressure injury risk.

Safety Benefits:

• Reduces spine compression and hand force exposure[5]

• Breathable materials maintain safe skin microclimate

• Optional wedges and absorbent pads support wound care and moisture control

• Allows solo repositioning in many cases, reducing dependency on multiple staff

Key Features:

• Available in various BridgeSTAR sheet sizes with or without Velcro bed straps

• 800–1000 lb. weight capacity

• Breathable material reduces friction and shear, supporting skin integrity

• Can be left under the patient without compromising microclimate

• Optional kits include turning wedges and absorbent pads for moisture management

When to Use:

• ICU, med-surg, long-term care, or any unit with turning protocols

• Pressure injury prevention or treatment

• Repositioning or turning every two hours (e.g., ICU, step-down)

• Staff injury prevention where turning and repositioning demands are high

Bonus: The system's simplicity and turn-key packaging make it ideal for facilities looking to standardize safe handling across units with minimal training.

BridgeAIR™ Mattress (Air-Assisted)

Problem Solved: Overexertion and injury during lateral transfers

BridgeAIR System

Best for: Patients over 250 lb., complex lateral transfers, or facilities with higher acuity patients

The BridgeAIR is an air-assisted transfer device that uses a blower to create a low-friction air cushion, making it significantly easier to transfer or reposition a patient across horizontal surfaces. This dramatically reduces friction, cutting physical force by over 80% during transfers.[6]

Safety Benefits:

• Reduces exertion-related injury risk for caregivers

• Maintains safe temperature and skin interface pressure

• MRI/X-ray compatible when deflated (blower motor must not be in the MRI room)

• Reusable or single-patient use options available

Key Features:

• Reduces physical force required to move a patient by 80–90%[7]

• Breathable, durable, and radiolucent mattress, safe for MRI and X-ray environments

• Available in reusable and single-patient use models

• BreatheDRY™ pads available for moisture control

When to Use:

• Patients >250 lbs.

• ICU or post-op units requiring precision turning or transport

• Lateral moves between surfaces (e.g., bed-to-stretcher)

• Facilities seeking to minimize caregiver strain during transfers

Evidence: Studies show minimal increase in pressure (<1% mmHg) when left underneath the patient, supporting extended use without compromising skin health.[8]

SlideMate™ Slide Sheets

Problem Solved: Quick transfers with low friction, minimal effort

SlideMate Slide Sheet

Best for: Quick repositioning and short-distance lateral transfers

SlideMate is a single-patient-use slide tube that’s lightweight, portable, and color-coded for visibility. It’s designed for quick and safe lateral transfers or repositioning.

Safety Benefits:

• Minimizes hand strain and lifting motion

• Promotes staff compliance with repositioning

• Available in small, standard, and bariatric sizes

• Wall and pocket dispensers ensure they’re always accessible

Key Features:

• Strong silicone-coated material

• Radiolucent and latex-free

• Color-coded (mint green) for visibility and calming aesthetic

• Wall-mounted dispenser systems for convenience

• Smaller size fits conveniently in a scrub pocket

When to Use:

• Practically anywhere (general units, EDs, radiology, MedSurg, cath lab, and transport)

• Patients <250 lbs. needing short repositioning or lateral transfers

• Infection-sensitive environments (disposable/recyclable)

Why SlideMate: It offers reliable performance with virtually no training curve, making it a great choice for high-turnover environments or float staff.

Gold Rollboard

Problem Solved: Safe, smooth transfer in space-restricted settings

Gold Rollboard

Best for: Surgical suite transfers or limited-space environments where air-assisted systems aren't feasible

The Gold Rollboard is a lightweight, compact, non-powered lateral transfer device using internal rollers for effortless movement. It’s ideal when air-assisted devices aren’t practical. It bridges the gap between surfaces, allowing caregivers to slide the patient across with minimal effort. This is not the metal rollboard you are used to using.

Safety Benefits:

• Requires minimal push/pull effort

• Lightweight, antimicrobial surface

• Reduces patient shear across hard surfaces

• Easily stored for fast retrieval

Key Features:

• Compact, lightweight, easy to store, and 75% lighter than metal roll boards

• Non-powered. Ideal for environments where space or power is limited

• Includes antimicrobial surfaces for infection prevention

• Effective for operating rooms or emergency departments

When to Use:

• Bed-to-table transfers in the OR or imaging suite

• Emergency departments

• Lateral transfers in tight spaces

• Facilities without ceiling or air-assisted systems

• Rapid response situations where setup speed matters

Say no to heavy metal: The Gold Rollboard is up to 75% lighter than metal boards, making transfers easier and reducing staff fatigue.

One Goal, Four Proven Tools

The goal is simple; move patients safely while protecting the caregiver. Whether you’re handling complex ICU cases or routine repositioning, EZ Way offers a portfolio of tools that fit the job:

Solution	Key Use	Top Safety Benefit
BridgeSTAR™	Frequent turning & repositioning	Reduces friction, full repositioning kit w/wedges
BridgeAIR™	Lateral transfers for patients >250 lbs.	Minimizes physical effort by 80%+
SlideMate™	Quick repositioning & lateral transfers	Portable, disposable, friction-reducing, infection control
Gold Rollboard	Space-limited surgical or ER settings	Compact, lightweight, non-powered, fast

Want to Build a Safer Workflow?

EZ Way’s SLIDE Program (Safe Lateral Injury-reducing Device Evaluation) can help assess your lateral transfer and repositioning needs and recommend a custom mix of equipment to match your risk profile, staffing levels, and patient population.

Schedule Your SLIDE Evaluation

[1] Waters, Thomas R. “When Is It Safe to Manually Lift a Patient? Revisiting the NIOSH Lifting Equation.” American Journal of Nursing 107, no. 8 (2007): 53–58. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NAJ.0000282313.76191.46

[2] Broderick, V.V., and L.J. Cowan. “Pressure Injury Related to Friction and Shearing Forces in Older Adults.” Journal of Dermatology & Skin Science 3, no. 2 (2021): 9–12.

[3] American Health Care Association. State of the Sector: 2024 Snapshot of the Long Term and Post-Acute Care Industry. Washington, DC: AHCA, 2024.

[4] Wiggermann, Neal, Jie Zhou, and Nancy McGann. “Effect of Repositioning Aids and Patient Weight on Biomechanical Stresses When Repositioning Patients in Bed.” Human Factors 63, no. 4 (2021): 565–577. https://doi.org/10.1177/0018720819895850

[5] EZ Way, Inc. BridgeSTAR Clinical Product Summary. Clarinda, IA: EZ Way, Inc., 2024.

[6] Bridge Health. BridgeAIR Clinical Test Report. Clarinda, IA: EZ Way, Inc., 2024.

[7] Broderick, V.V., and L.J. Cowan. “Pressure Injury Related to Friction and Shearing Forces in Older Adults.” Journal of Dermatology & Skin Science 3, no. 2 (2021): 9–12.

[8] Bridge Health. BridgeAIR Mattress Test Report: Microclimate and Pressure Mapping. Clarinda, IA: EZ Way, Inc., 2024.