A gait belt is a device used to transport people from one thing to another. For example you would use a gait belt to move a patient from a bed to a wheelchair. The gait belt is made out of hard materials and on each end is a metal piece. The gait belt is worn around one's waist. The purpose for this is to put less strain on the back. One would use this device in a nursing home, a hospital, or facilities of that sort. The proper way to apply it is to keep two fingers between the belt and the patient's body. Tighten the gait belt until it has just enough room for your fingers. If the gait belt is too loose you could either have it slip upward and injure the patient's chest (especially the female patient) or increase your risk for dropping them once the weight is put on the gait belt.