Safety/Handling Of Wheelchairs/Strollers - Invacare Comet Owner's Operating And Maintenance Manual

SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS/STROLLERS

"Safety and Handling" of the wheelchair/stroller re-
quires the close attention of the wheelchair/stroller
user as well as the assistant. This manual points out
the most common procedures and techniques in-
volved in the safe operation and maintenance of the
wheelchair/stroller. It is important to practice and mas-
ter these safe techniques until you are comfortable in
maneuvering around the frequently encountered ar-
chitectural barriers.
Use this information only as a "basic" guide. The
techniques that are discussed on the following pages
have been used successfully by many.
Individual wheelchair/stroller users often develop skills
to deal with daily living activities that may differ from
those described in this manual. Invacare recognizes
and encourages each individual to try what works best
for him/her in overcoming architectural obstacles that
they may encounter. Techniques in this manual are a
starting point for the new wheelchair/stroller user and
assistant with "safety" as the most important consid-
eration for all.
STABILITY AND BALANCE
WARNING
ALWAYS wear your seat restraint. Inasmuch as
the SEAT RESTRAINT is an option on this
wheelchair/stroller (You may order with or with-
out the seat restraint), Invacare strongly recom-
mends ordering the seat restraint as an additional
safeguard for the wheelchair/stroller user.
The seat depth and back angle of the wheelchair,
as well as the large wheel position directly relate
to the stability of the wheelchair. Any change to
one (1) or any combination of the three (3) may
cause the wheelchair to decrease in stability. Use
EXTREME caution when using a new seating po-
sition for the first time.
To maintain the stability of the wheelchair/stroller
when moving the rear wheels to ANY forward
position, the amount of BACK ANGLE and SEAT
DEPTH MUST be REPOSITIONED to maintain sta-
bility of the wheelchair/stroller.
To assure stability and proper operation of your
wheelchair/stroller, you must at all times wear your
seat restraint and maintain proper balance. Your
wheelchair/stroller has been designed to remain
upright and stable during normal daily activities as
long as you do not move beyond the center of grav-
ity.
DO NOT lean forward out of the wheelchair/stroller
any further than the length of the armrests. Make
sure the casters are pointing in the forward posi-
tion whenever you lean forward. This can be
achieved by advancing the wheelchair/stroller and
then reversing it in a straight line.
COPING WITH EVERYDAY OBSTACLES
Coping with the irritation of everyday obstacles can
be alleviated somewhat by learning how to man-
age your wheelchair/stroller. Keep in mind your
center of gravity to maintain stability and balance.
A NOTE TO WHEELCHAIR/STROLLER
ASSISTANTS
When assistance to the wheelchair/stroller user is
required, remember to use good body mechanics.
Keep your back straight and bend your knees when-
ever tilting the wheelchair/stroller or traversing
curbs, or other impediments.
Also, be aware of any removable (detachable)
parts. These must NEVER be used for hand-held
or lifting supports, as they may be inadvertently
released, resulting in possible injury to the user and/
or assistant(s).
When learning a new assistance technique, have
an experienced assistant help you before attempt-
ing it alone.
TILTING
WARNING
DO NOT tilt the wheelchair/stroller without
assistance.
When tilting the wheelchair/stroller, an assistant
should grasp the back of the wheelchair/stroller on
a non-removable (non-detachable) part. Inform the
wheelchair/stroller occupant before tilting the wheel-
chair/stroller and remind him/her to lean back. Be
sure the occupant's feet and hands are clear of all
wheels.
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SAFETY SUMMARY
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