The Lifeline of a Hoyer Lift: A Complete Guide to the Emergency Manual Release Device

In daily care that relies on an electric Hoyer Lift, the situation we least want to encounter but must prepare for is a power failure—whether it’s a dead battery, motor malfunction, or unexpected power outage. In such cases, the user may be left suspended mid-air, creating an emergency. Fortunately, every legitimate electric Hoyer Lift is equipped with a crucial safety feature: the emergency manual release device (usually a valve or crank).

What Is It? Why Is It a "Lifeline"?

What is it?

The emergency manual release device is a mechanical override system that allows caregivers to manually lower the lift’s boom slowly without power, ensuring the user safely returns to the ground or a seat.

Why is it critical?

It is the only safe solution when the power system fails. Understanding and practicing how to use it is fundamental to responding to emergencies, preventing panic, and avoiding secondary injuries.

Location: Where Is It?

The position of the manual release device varies by brand and model, but it is typically found in one of these common areas:

The top or bottom of the lifting column: One of the most common locations, often near the hydraulic cylinder or motor.

The rear of the device’s main column.

Near the controller connection point.

Golden Rule: Locate and confirm its position before an emergency occurs! Refer to the device’s user manual, or ask the equipment supplier to clearly identify its location and demonstrate its operation during delivery training.

Operating Steps: How to Safely Lower the User

When the device needs to be used, follow these steps. The core principle is: stay calm and ensure slow, controlled movement.

1. Stay Calm and Communicate

First, remain calm. Your composure will reassure the suspended user.

Immediately comfort the user: “Don’t worry—there’s a temporary power issue with the device, but I have a safe way to get you down.”

2. Ensure Environmental Safety

Quickly check for obstacles directly below the user. If possible, move a wheelchair or bed directly under the user to serve as a buffer and target landing spot.

3. Locate and Operate the Release Device

For rotary valve/knob types (the most common): You will typically see a valve or knob that needs to be turned counterclockwise.

Operation:

Stabilize the lift with one hand.

Use your other hand to turn the valve counterclockwise very slowly (usually a quarter turn or half turn). Never fully unscrew it!

As you start turning, you will feel the boom begin to lower slowly under the user’s weight.

4. Control the Lowering Speed

Precisely control the lowering speed by adjusting the angle of the valve rotation. The more the valve is opened, the faster the descent.

Aim to fine-tune the valve so that the descent is extremely slow and smooth. This requires patience and a steady hand.

Keep a hand on the user (on their back or legs) throughout the process to guide their descent and prevent spinning or swinging.

5. Safe Landing and Follow-Up

Once the user is safely seated back in a chair or lying on a bed, and their weight is fully supported by the surface, stop operating the valve.

Then, unhook the sling and help the user out of it.

Do not attempt to use the lift again until it has been repaired.

Critical Safety Warnings and Common Mistakes

Absolute Prohibitions:

Never leave the suspended user unattended to go find help or tools.

Never try to manually lift the user out of the sling—this is highly likely to cause injuries to both you and the user.

Never use excessive force or fully unscrew the release valve. This will cause the boom to drop uncontrollably at high speed, which is extremely dangerous.

Must-Dos:

Train all caregivers: Ensure everyone who may operate the device has seen and practiced using the manual release function firsthand.

Regular drills: Conduct regular simulation drills (without the user in the sling) to build muscle memory.

Prevention first: Develop the habit of “charging the lift immediately after use” and check the battery status regularly to avoid most emergencies at the source.

Conclusion: Safety Comes from Preparation

We hope we never have to use the emergency manual release device of a Hoyer Lift, but we must master its use 100%. It is not just a mechanical component—it is a safety shield for both caregivers and users in unexpected situations.

Call to Action:

If you are a caregiver and are unsure about the exact location or operation of the manual release valve on your lift, find the user manual immediately or contact your equipment supplier to request a review training session. This investment in knowledge is one of the highest levels of safety protection you can provide for your loved one.