Lightweight slings to assist passengers with reduced mobility at Heathrow Airport

Airport assistance services provider OmniServ has deployed nearly 100 new ProMove Sling devices across London Heathrow Airport, in an effort to enhance the level of care offered to passengers with reduced mobility (PRM).

The ProMove Sling is an easily transportable, lightweight option for lifting and transferring passengers when it is impractical to deploy a powered hoist. The design of the sling enables up to four support personnel to share the load via the strategically-placed padded handles, helping to spread the weight that each person lifts.

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 traveling. Dr Thomas has now sadly passed away, but his invention lives on to help others.”

Dana Thomas, director of ProMove UK, said, “We are delighted that OmniServ is now able to offer PRM passengers traveling 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.”

Buckle added, “Recently, we were able to help George Mayian Musembi, who was traveling 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.”