OmniServ, the airline and airport assistance services provider, has in partnership with the airlines at Heathrow deployed nearly 100 new ProMove Sling devices across the airport’s terminals, aimed at enhancing the level of care offered to PRM (People with Reduced Mobility) passengers.
The ProMove Sling is a transportable, lightweight option for lifting and transferring PRM passengers when it is impractical to deploy a powered hoist. When used by trained staff, it is safe, comfortable and dignified, reducing the need for support personnel to touch the passenger or the danger of causing any injury such as bruising or shearing. The design of the sling allows two, three or four support personnel to share the load via padded and gripped handles.
Marc Buckle, general manager at OmniServ, said: “The ProMove Sling is a brilliant solution to the challenges of helping PRM passengers in and out of wheelchairs in a restricted space. What’s more, it’s a British invention designed by Dr Huw Thomas, who had muscular dystrophy, for his own needs when travelling. Dr Thomas has now sadly passed away, but his invention lives on to help others.”
Dana Thomas, director of ProMove UK Ltd, added: “We are delighted that OmniServ is now able to offer PRM passengers travelling from London Heathrow the option of a more comfortable and dignified transfer with our slings. Use of the sling will also provide safer working conditions for staff and will reduce musculoskeletal injury, as the equipment complies with Health and Safety requirements and Manual Handling Regulations.”
“A brilliant solution to the challenges of helping PRM passengers”
– Marc Buckle, general manager at OmniServ
Buckle concluded: “Recently, we were able to help Mr George Mayian Musembi, who was travelling in his own wheelchair with his father on a Kenya Airlines flight. The PRM staff assisting him had recently been trained in the use of the new ProMove Sling, and it was a great opportunity to practice their new skills.
“Mr Musembi and his father were delighted with the experience – so much so that Mr Musembi’s father said he had never witnessed such a smooth transition and they wanted their own ProMove Sling!
“The ProMove Sling is exactly the kind of invention we are constantly looking for at OmniServ, to allow us to raise our game when it comes to the dignity and care at all times to our PRM Customers. It is efficient, safe, comfortable and reliable. OmniServ is committed to delivering the best possible experience for all passengers, and we will continue to evaluate the latest technologies that will help us deliver on that promise.”
Originally posted Travel Daily Media 10 February 2018
See also..
Heathrow Enhances Service for Passengers with Hidden and Visible Disabilities