Safety; Avoiding Accidents; Movements: Getting In And Out Of The Wheelchair - progeo Basic Light User Manual

3

SAFETY

The Progeo® wheelchair is a medical device and therefore it MUST NOT BE
LENT NOR GIVEN TO OTHER USERS even for short period.
It is forbidden to make any unauthorised modifications or using un-approved
parts may change the wheelchair structure and create unsafe condition as
well as possible harm to the chair and occupant.
REHATEAM S.R.L. WILL ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY IN CASES OF NON-
COMPLIANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS OR RECOMMENDATIONS AS SET
OUT IN THIS MANUAL AND ANY SUCH ACTIVITY WILL RESULT IN THE
IMMEDIATE CANCELLATION OF THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY.
BURN HAZARD! The components of the wheelchair may heat up if they are
exposed to strong solar radiation
3.1

Avoiding accidents

MOVEMENTS
Avoid sudden, jerky movements during use of the wheelchair as this could cause it to overbalance.
If obstacles are run into, avoid sudden movements (such as abrupt braking).
The risk of skidding increases on irregular or damp ground.
Going over obstacles as steps and ramps has to be done carefully (ask an assistant for help).
For greater safety, when moving across inclined or potentially dangerous terrains it is
recommended the presence of an attendant behind the wheelchair.
Always adjust your speed with relation to the type of terrain and conditions.
As a general rule, we advise a constant, regular speed avoiding sudden accelerations or changes
in direction.
The parking brakes have been designed to hold the wheelchair stable when it is stationary.
For safety reasons we do not recommend using the parking brakes while the
wheelchair is in motion.
When using the brakes, a great care should be taken to avoid injury to the hands
or fingers.
SPEED
BRAKES
3.2

Movements: getting in and out of the wheelchair

While getting into or out of the wheelchair do not place your feet on the footplate.
This could result in the wheelchair tipping up, possibly causing harm both to the
chair and to the occupant.
Getting in and out of the wheelchair must always be done with extreme care and caution, even
by experienced users, and must be performed only after receiving instruction from specialized
and fully trained personnel.
If getting in and out of the wheelchair is difficult, an attendant should be present.
All of these actions should in any case be performed based on your particular pathology and
therefore on your own level of independence.
The general rules to respect while getting in or out of the wheelchair safely are:
Ensure the wheelchair is parked on a solid, flat or regular surface.
Do not get in or out of the wheelchair while on hills or uneven ground which could render the
wheelchair unstable and cause the occupant to fall and/or the wheelchair to overbalance.
The brakes should be engaged.
Get your feet off the footplate when getting out, and bring them close to the footplate when
getting in. If the wheelchair is equipped with flip-up footplate (one-piece or double), raise it to
make transfer easier.
Lean on the wheelchair and where possible on a stable object nearby. Use the force of your
arms to raise and move your body (1).
In case the occupant is not able to perform this movement alone, or if the movement is to be
performed on an uneven surface, an attendant should be present (2).
While getting in or out of the wheelchair never lean or sit on the clothes
protector or on the armrest. It could bend or break, possibly resulting in
injury.
If your wheelchair is equipped with armrests, the one on the side you get in or out of
the wheelchair is recommended to be removed or swung away.
1 2
Basic Light 16