Climbing A Kerb - Invacare rea Bellis User Manual

Climbing a kerb

Dismounting a kerb
Kerbs – alternative method
Escalators
Stairs
38
This method is for when the assistant is always behind the wheelchair and
it cRea™tes the gRea™test safety for the user.
The following advice is for the assistant:
Illustration 1) Adjust the anti-tip devices upwards. Ensure that the user's feet
rest securely on the footrests and cannot slide off. Then tilt 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 possible, 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 wheelchair does not roll
backwards.
Follow the procedure above, but in reverse order (step 4, 3, 2 and then 1)
to move off a kerb.
This method is generally used by experienced assistants who are stronger
than average. It can also be used when the kerb or step is low and only
constitutes a minimal obstacle.
The assistant steps backwards onto the pavement and pulls the wheelchair
up onto the pavement. It is important for the assistant to use his or 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 escalators when you are in the wheelchair. Find out whether
there is a lift nearby.
We advise you to avoid using stairs when you are in your wheelchair, where
possible. Choose an alternative route instead.
We recommend that you receive help from two assistants to get up and
down stairs. One assistant walks in front of the chair holding the frame
of the wheelchair, whilst the other assistant walks behind the chair, hold-
ing the push handles. Check that the push handles/push bar are securely
fixed in place before you start. Fold the anti-tip devices upwards. Balance
the wheelchair on the Rea™r wheels until the balance point is found. The
wheelchair is then rolled down the stairs, step by step, by letting the Rea™r
wheels roll over the edge of each step. Assistants must not lift by gripping
the removable armrests or legrests. They must remember to lift the chair
at the correct points, to use their legs and to keep their backs as straight
as possible.
Bellis
TM