Transporting A Patient Down Stairs (Model 59) - Ferno EZ-Glide 59T User Manual

6.5 Transporting a Patient Down Stairs
(Model 59)
GENERAL GUIDELINES
Carrying the chair down stairs requires a minimum of two
●
operators. Use additional help as needed. See "Using Additional
Help" on page 8.
Ferno recommends that the two operators face each other when
●
transporting a patient down stairs and that a third person "spot" for
the foot-end operator (Figure 24). However, the foot-end operator
may face forward (with back to patient) if desired. Follow your local
protocols for carrying chairs.
Remove any water, ice, snow, or debris from the stairs before using
●
the chair on them.
Remove any water, ice, snow, or debris from the track system and
●
belts before using the chair on stairs.
● If the operators tire or need to attend the patient while on stairs,
see "Pausing On the Stairs" on page 26.
CARRYING THE CHAIR DOWN STAIRS
1. Head-End Operator: Roll the chair to the stairs and engage the
wheel locks.
Foot-End Operator: Extend the foot-end lift handles to the
2.
desired stop point. Verify that both handles are locked and
maintain your grasp.
3. Spotter: Stand below the foot-end operator with a hand on the
operator's back to help steady and guide him/her throughout the
descent (Figure 24).
Head-End Operator: Raise the lift bar to the desired position and
4.
verify that it is locked. Or, use the rear lift handles, if your chair has
rear lift handles.
Head-End Operator: Disengage the wheel locks and tilt the chair
5.
back.
Operators and Spotter: Operators work together to lift the chair
6.
and carry it down the stairs. The spotter keeps a hand on the foot-
end operator's back and provides verbal guidance (Figure 24).
Operators: At the bottom of the stairs, the operators set the chair
7.
on the floor and retract the lift handles.
Head-End Operator: Adjust the lift bar to a comfortable height
8.
before rolling the chair.
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Using the Chair
To pause during the descent, allow the rear
wheels of the chair to rest on a step while both
operators hold the chair in place. See "Pausing
On the Stairs" on page 26. To continue down
the stairs, tilt the chair back and lift and carry it.
Ferno recommends you visualize a "landing
zone" of at the top or bottom of the stairway.
The landing zone should provide enough
clear, safe space for the chair to be set on
all four wheels, away from the edge of the
stairway.
Spotter
Pausing On the Stairs
The Landing Zone
© Ferno-Washington, Inc. / 234-3298-07 / July 2018
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