In this episode I introduce my bestie, Brenda Ramstadius and we discuss the preventative care needed to ensure patients and facilities are free from pressure wounds.  Brenda is a wonderful friend and an incredible source of knowledge and experience when it comes to practical strategies, having shared these with thousands of her students and operational staff in aged care facilities and hospitals. 

In the interests of patient comfort, and costs of pressure wounds I highly recommend the alternating pressure air mattresses for all patients who present with the risk of pressure ulcers.  Your professional judgement is an important tool in assessing this risk.

Risk Tool Resource: Stand at the end of the bed and observe the patient

1. Does the patient have limited or no movement in the limbs?
2. Can the patient reposition themselves?

If the patient does not have capacity, then they will be required to be  repositioned to prevent pressure wounds as it has been found that pressure wounds can start with 30 minutes of imobility.

As for Brenda, our friendship has lasted the test of time. We are besties and I thank her for contributing to this important conversation. 

For more information on pressure wound prevention head to www.thewoundcentre.com