Invacare Rea Clematis User Manual page 31

Onto a kerb
Off a kerb
Kerbs - alternative method
Escalators
Stairs
®
CLEMATIS
This method is for when the assistant is always behind the
wheelchair and creates the greatest safety for the user.
The following advice is for the assistant:
Illustration 1) Adjust the anti-tip device upwards. Ensure that
the user's feet rest securely on the footrests and cannot slide
off. Then lean the wheelchair backwards and push it forwards
against the kerb.
Illustration 2) Lower the frontal part of the wheelchair onto
the pavement and place yourself as close to the chair as pos-
sible, before you lift up the whole wheelchair.
Illustration 3) Lean forward and lift/roll the wheelchair over the
pavement edge.
Illustration 4) Lower the wheelchair onto the pavement so that
the weight is divided on all four wheels. Ensure that the wheel-
chair does not roll backwards.
NB! If the wheelchair does not have a step tube or anti-tip
device, tilt the backrest and seat backwards to make it easier
to tip the chair backwards and thereby manoeuvre the castors
over the obstacle/kerb more easily.
Follow the procedure above, but in reverse order (step 4, 3, 2
and then 1) to move off a kerb.
Generally this method is used by experienced assistants who
are stronger than average. The method can be also be used
when the kerb or step is low and only constitutes a minimal
obstacle.
The assistant goes backwards onto the pavement and then
pulls the wheelchair up onto the pavement. It is important for
the assistant to use his/her body correctly to prevent injury.
Tip the wheelchair backwards and roll the chair over the kerb
onto the pavement. Take particular care if the kerb is wet or
slippery.
Do not use the escalator when in the wheelchair. Find out
whether there is a lift nearby.
We advise you to avoid going up/down stairs in your wheelchair
where possible, and to choose an alternative route instead.
We recommend that you receive help from two assistants to
get up and down stairs. One assistant goes in front of the chair
and hold the frame of the wheelchair, whilst the other assist-
ant goes behind the chair and holds the push handles. Fold the
anti-tip device upwards. Balance the wheelchair on the drive
wheels until the balance point is found. The wheelchair is then
rolled down the stairs, step by step, by letting the drive wheels
roll over the edge of each step. Assistants must remember not
to hold removable armrests or legrests. In addition, assistants
should remember to lift correctly, using their legs and keeping
their backs as straight as possible.
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