Safety/Handling Of Wheelchairs - Invacare 9000 JYMNI PEDIATRIC Series Owner's Operator And Maintenance Manual

PROCEDURE 1
SAFETY/HANDLING OF
WHEELCHAIRS
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E "Safety and Handling" of the wheelchair requires the close
attention of the wheelchair user as well as the assistant.
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This manual points out the most common procedures and
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techniques involved in the safe operation and maintenance
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of the wheelchair. It is important to practice and master these
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safe techniques until you are comfortable in maneuvering
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around the frequently encountered architectural barriers.
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Use this information only as a "basic" guide. The tech-
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niques that are discussed on the following pages have
I been used successfully by many.
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Individual wheelchair users often develop skills to deal with
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daily living activities that may differ from those described in
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this manual. Invacare recognizes and encourages each
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individual to try what works best for him/her in overcoming
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architectural obstacles that they may encounter, however,
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ALL WARNINGS and CAUTIONS given in this manual,
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MUST be followed. Techniques in this manual are a start-
ing point for the new wheelchair user and assistant with
"safety" as the most important consideration for all.
STABILITY AND BALANCE
Inasmuch as ANTI-TIPPERS are an option on
this wheelchair (You may order NON-RECLIN-
ERS with or
Invacare strongly recommends ordering
anti-tippers as an additional safeguard for
the wheelchair user. If so equipped, anti-
tippers MUST BE attached and pointing down
towards ground/floor at all times.
ALWAYS wear your Seat Positioning Strap.
Inasmuch as the SEAT POSITIONING STRAP is
an option on this wheelchair (You may or-
der with or without the Seat Positioning
Strap), Invacare strongly recommends or-
dering the Seat Positioning Strap as an addi-
tional safeguard for the wheelchair user.
To assure stability and proper operation of your wheelchair,
you must at all times wear your Seat Positioning Strap and
maintain proper balance. Your wheelchair has been designed
to remain upright and stable during normal daily activities as
long as you do not move beyond the center of gravity.
DO NOT lean forward out of the wheelchair any further
than the length of the armrests. Make sure the casters
are pointing in the forward position whenever you lean
forward. This can be achieved by advancing the wheel-
chair 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 manage your
wheelchair. Keep in mind your center of gravity to main-
tain stability and balance.
WARNING
without the anti-tippers),
A NOTE TO WHEELCHAIR ASSISTANTS
When assistance to the wheelchair user is required, re-
member to use good body mechanics. Keep your back
straight and bend your knees whenever tilting the wheel-
chair or traversing curbs, or other impediments.
DO NOT attempt to lift the wheelchair by any re-
movable (detachable) parts. Lifting by means of
any removable (detachable) parts of a wheel-
chair may result in injury to the user or damage to
the wheelchair.
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 ex-
perienced assistant help you before attempting it alone.
Percentage of Weight Distribution
The back height, front caster position, seat-to-floor
angle, position of the rear wheels, correct anti-
tipper as well as the end user's disability or end
user's physical condition and capabilities directly
relate to the stability of the wheelchair. Any
change to one (1) or any combination of the eight
(8) may cause the wheelchair to decrease in sta-
bility. These adjustments MUST be per-
formed by a qualified technician.
DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you have to
move forward in the seat or pick them up from
the floor by reaching down between your knees.
Many activities require the wheelchair user to reach, bend
and transfer in and out of the wheelchair. These move-
ments will cause a change to normal balance, center of
gravity, and weight distribution of the wheelchair. To deter-
mine and establish your particular safety limits, practice
bending, reaching and transferring activities in several com-
binations in the presence of a qualified healthcare profes-
sional BEFORE attempting active use of the wheelchair.
Proper positioning is essential for your safety. When reach-
ing, leaning, bending forward, it is important to use the
front casters as a tool to maintain stability and balance.
8
GENERAL GUIDELINES
WARNING
WARNING