Introduction: A case is presented in which a 43-year-old man suffering from a severe asthma attack, had ventilatory arrest during a hoisting procedure. Based on this experience, the influence of three hoisting techniques on lung function was tested.

Methods: The ventilatory capacity of 12 healthy volunteers was tested during three commonly used hoisting techniques: 1) single sling; 2) double sling; or 3) strapped to a stretcher.

Results: The vital capacity (VC) and the one-second, forced expiratory volume (FEV1) were reduced significantly during all hoisting techniques compared to the standing position. The reduction was significantly more pronounced on a stretcher than in either sling position. There were no differences in the FEV1 to VC ratio between the positions.

Conclusion: The small reduction in ventilatory capacity during hoisting procedures is tolerated easily by healthy individuals, but should be taken into account when planning such procedures on patients with severe pulmonary disease.