Why Air Transfer Isn’t Always the Answer
A balanced approach to safer, smarter patient handling
There are many reasons facilities and caregivers rely heavily on air transfer — often resulting in inefficient practices and significant overspending.
In many cases, caregivers simply don’t have a viable alternative. When the right tool isn’t available, staff will use whatever they can to avoid injury and keep patients moving safely. That decision makes sense in the moment — but it can drive unnecessary cost and inconsistent practice.
Another common challenge is ineffective alternatives. We frequently see facilities using low-cost plastic slide sheets that perform more like garbage bags than true clinical tools. When products don’t work well, staff lose confidence in them — and default back to air transfer every time.
Finally, many facilities lack clear, organized protocols that define when to use air transfer, when a slide sheet is appropriate, and when a rollboard is the better choice. Without guidance, decision-making falls to individual caregivers, leading to wide variation, excessive air use, and missed opportunities to improve efficiency.
With today’s cost constraints and overworked staff, it’s more important than ever to spend wisely — and only where it truly adds value.
The solution isn’t a single product. It requires the clinical and supply chain teams working together to take a hard look at processes, outcomes, and goals—not just line-item costs. Facilities that take this collaborative approach consistently reduce unnecessary spend, improve compliance, and create safer environments for caregivers.
The result?
Lower injury risk. Happier, more confident staff. And ultimately, better patient care.
Learn how a balanced approach can reduce costs, improve compliance, and support safer care — without compromising outcomes by checking out our ACE program here.