Safety/Handling Of Wheelchairs - Invacare Wheelchair Owner's Operator And Maintenance Manual

PROCEDURE 1
SAFETY/HANDLING OF
WHEELCHAIRS
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"Safety and Handling" of the wheelchair requires the close
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attention of the wheelchair user as well as the assistant. This
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manual points out the most common procedures and tech-
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R niques involved in the safe operation and maintenance of
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the wheelchair. It is important to practice and master these
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safe techniques until you are comfortable in maneuvering
around the frequently encountered architectural barriers.
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Use this information only as a "basic" guide. The techniques
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that are discussed on the following pages have been used
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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 in-
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dividual to try what works best for him/her in overcoming
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S architectural obstacles that they may encounter, however,
ALL WARNINGS and CAUTIONS given in this manual
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
ALWAYS wear your seat positioning strap.
To assure stability and proper operation of your wheelchair,
you must at all times maintain proper balance. Your wheel-
chair 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 wheel-
chair any further than the length of the armrests.
Coping With Everyday Obstacles
Coping with the irritation of everyday obstacles can be allevi-
ated somewhat by learning how to manage your wheel-
chair. Keep in mind your center of gravity to maintain stability
and balance.
A Note to Wheelchair Assistants
When assistance to the wheelchair user is required, remem-
ber to use good body mechanics. Keep your back straight
and bend your knees whenever tilting wheelchair or travers-
ing 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 wheelchair
may result in injury to the user or damage to the
wheelchair.
Also, be aware of detachable parts such as arms or leg-
rests. These must NEVER be used for hand-hold or lifting
supports, as they may be inadvertently released, resulting in
possible injury to the user and/or assistant(s).
WARNING
WARNING
When learning a new assistance technique, have an expe-
rienced assistant help you before attempting it alone.
Tilting - RWD Wheelchairs Only
WARNING
DO NOT tilt the wheelchair without assistance.
When tilting the wheelchair, an assistant should grasp the
back of the wheelchair on a non-removable (non-detach-
able) part. Inform the wheelchair occupant before tilting
the wheelchair and remind him/her to lean back. Be sure
the occupant's feet and hands are clear of all wheels.
TILTING - CURBS.
After mastering the techniques of tilting the wheelchair, use
this procedure to tackle curbs, short stairs, etc.
This procedure requires two (2) assistants. The second
assistant should be positioned at the front of the wheel-
chair lifting upward on a non-removable (non-detachable)
part of the wheelchair frame when lifting the wheelchair
and stabilizing the wheelchair when the wheelchair is be-
ing lowered to the ground.
The first assistant should turn the anti-tippers so the wheels
are pointing up, apply a continuous downward motion until
the balance point is achieved and the front casters clear
the curb. At this point, the assistants will feel a difference in
the weight distribution.
WARNING
Do not let the wheelchair drop the last few
inches to the ground. This could result in injury
to the occupant.
Roll the wheelchair forward and SLOWLY lower the wheel-
chair in one continuous movement. Push the wheelchair
forward until the rear wheels roll up and over the curb.
WARNING
Make sure anti-tipper wheels are pointing down
towards the ground/floor BEFORE using the wheel-
chair.
Turn the anti-tipper wheels down towards the ground/floor.
TILTING: CURBS
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GENERAL GUIDELINES