We have been hearing a lot about capacity pressures and low staff levels hampering patient flow in recent weeks, which can in turn increase the risk of pressure injuries. When staff are working under intense pressure, activities such as tissue viability risk assessments are often perceived to be too time-consuming to complete accurately in ED, especially when lifesaving treatment is the department’s priority.

A healthy person avoids tissue trauma by means of frequent spontaneous movement, even during sleep. Someone who is unable to move or reposition themselves will need a...