Transferring In And Out Of Your Wheelchair - Permobil Aero Z 2 Series Owner's Manual

I WARNING
Most falls or tip-overs occur when you go beyond the center of gravity of you and your wheelchair. Permobil Manual wheelchairs
are designed to remain stable and upright in normal daily use and activities so long as you do not exceed the center of gravity.
The most stable setup is with the rear wheels in the most rearward position on the chair. Anti-tips will help prevent the chair
from tipping over backwards.
Every movement you make in your chair, and the rapidity with which you move, will have an effect on your center of gravity.
The more you shift your body weight and the greater the speed at which you shift it, the greater the impact on your center
of gravity in your chair. There is a point where your wheelchair will tip forward or backward or to the side—which is a function
of your center of gravity in the chair—its center of balance and stability. The type of chair, the setup of your chair, the options
on your chair and the changes you make to the setup or options will all affect the center of gravity and therefore the stability
of the chair. As the stability decreases, the risk of a fall or tip-over increases. Set forth below is a list of various types of
adjustments that you may be able to make to your wheelchair, depending on the wheelchair model you own, and a brief
description of how those adjustments will affect your center of gravity:
1. The position of the rear wheels is the most significant factor affecting your center of gravity. The more you move the
rear wheels forward, the more likely your chair will tip over backward.
2. The angle of your seat. As you increase the angle of your seat (relative to the floor), your position in the chair
is shiftedtoward the rear of the chair, increasing the likelihood your chair will tip over backward.
3. The angle of your backrest. As you increase the angle of your backrest (relative to the seat), your position in the chair
is shifted toward the rear of the chair, increasing the likelihood your chair will tip over backward.
4. The height of your seat back. As you lower the height of your seat back, you make it easier to lean back in your chair,
which in turn shifts your center of gravity rearward and increases the likelihood your chair will tip over backward.
5. The position of your casters. As you move your casters rearward on the frame (toward the rear wheels), you increase
the likelihood your chair will tip over forward.
Other factors will affect your center of gravity:
1. A change in your body position, posture or weight distribution. For example, if you lean forward you shift the center
of gravity forward and increase the likelihood of tipping over forward.
2. Riding your chair on a ramp or slope. On an up-slope, your weight shifts to the rear and a backward tip-over becomes
more likely. On a down-slope, your weight shifts to the front of the chair and a forward tip-over becomes more likely.
3. The use of a backpack or other options, and the amount of weight added by those options. For example, carrying a lot
of weight in a backpack will shift the center of gravity rearward and increase the likelihood of tipping over backward.
However, using a Permobil Manual seat pouch beneath the seat sling to carry heavier items will lower your center
of gravity and reduce, but not eliminate, your risk of a tip-over.
In order to reduce the risk of a tip-over, you should:
1. CONSULT your doctor, nurse or therapist to find out what axle and caster position and other chair configuration options
are best for you.
2. CONSULT your authorized Permobil Manual dealer BEFORE you modify or adjust your wheelchair. Often, an adjustment
you wish to make can be offset by another that you have not considered. For example, you may want to adjust the back
angle rearward, which will increase the likelihood of a rear tip-over. You might not think you could counteract this tendency
by moving the rear wheels backward. Your authorized Permobil Manual dealer will be able to give you expert, personalized
advice in such matters. See "Changing/Adjusting Your Wheelchair" on page 1-2.
3. ALWAYS have someone assist you until you learn your chair's balance points and are completely comfortable in your
ability to operate your chair under all conditions to avoid tip-overs.
4. ALWAYS use anti-tips. See "Changing/Adjusting Your Wheelchair" on page 1-2.
B. TRANSFERRING IN AND OUT OF YOUR WHEELCHAIR
I WARNING
Transferring in or out of your wheelchair is one of the most dangerous things you can attempt relating to your wheelchair.
It requires good balance, agility and upper body conditioning. At some point in every transfer, there is no wheelchair seat
beneath you and the seat, bed, etc. to or from which you are transferring is not beneath you either.
Permobil Aero Z & ZRA Owner's Manual
CHAPTER 1: WARNINGS
1-6 OM0004-ENGLISH_Rev E_Aero Z_ZRA