Coping With Everyday Obstacles; A Note To Wheelchair Assistants - Invacare Pronto M71 Owner's Operator And Maintenance Manual

SECTION 10—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS

Coping with Everyday Obstacles

NOTE: For this procedure, refer to
FIGURE 10.1.
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
maintain stability and balance.
While the walking beam allows to traverse
up to a 2-inch bump or threshold, stopping
2-inch Bump
after the wheels cross the bump poses a
or Threshold
problem. The wheelchair cannot reverse
over the bump at this point. Continue
forward and then turn around.
While the M71 is designed for use
primarily in and around the home, the
provider should determine whether this
FIGURE 10.1 Coping with Everyday
wheelchair is suitable for the actual
Obstacles
environment the wheelchair will be used
in.
DO NOT go down ramp at full speed. Some seat/back positions will cause wheelchair to
feel unstable.
CAUTION
Be aware of condition of ramp. Traction will be diminished/nonexistent on a slip-
pery surface. Proceed with caution.

A Note to Wheelchair Assistants

When assistance to the wheelchair user is required, remember to use good body
mechanics. Keep your back straight and bend your knees whenever tipping wheelchair
or traversing curbs or other impediments.
Also, be aware of detachable parts such as arms or legrests. These must NEVER be used
to move the wheelchair or as 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
attempting it alone.
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Pronto M71 with SureStep Part No 1141449