Coping With Everyday Obstacles; A Note To Wheelchair Assistants - Invacare Pronto M41 Owner's Manual

SECTION 3—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS

Coping With Everyday Obstacles

NOTE: For this information, refer to FIGURE 3.1.
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 you to traverse up to a 1‐inch bump or threshold,
stopping after the wheels cross the bump poses a problem. The chair cannot reverse over
the bump at this point. Continue forward and then turn around.
While the wheelchair is designed for use
1-inch Bump
primarily in and around the home, the or Threshold
provider should determine whether this
chair is suitable for the actual environment
the chair will be used in.
FIGURE 3.1 Coping With Everyday
DO NOT go down ramp at full speed.
Obstacles
Some seat/back positions will cause
wheelchair to feel unstable.
CAUTION
Be aware of condition of ramp. Traction will be diminished/nonexistent on a
slippery 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 tilting 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® M41 with SureStep® Part No. 1143206