Section 4-Safety/Handling Of Wheelchairs; Stability And Balance - Invacare Pronto M41 Owner's Manual

SECTION 4—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS
SECTION 4—SAFETY/HANDLING OF
WHEELCHAIRS
"Safety and Handling" of the wheelchair requires the close attention of the wheelchair
user as well as the assistant. This manual points out the most common procedures and
techniques involved in the safe operation and maintenance of the wheelchair. It is
important to practice and master these safe techniques until you are comfortable in
maneuvering around the frequently encountered architectural barriers.
Use this information only as a "basic" guide. The techniques that are discussed on the
following pages have been used successfully by many.
Individual wheelchair users often develop skills to deal with daily living activities that
may differ from those described in this manual. Invacare recognizes and encourages each
individual to try what works best for him/her in overcoming architectural obstacles that
they may encounter, however all warnings and cautions given in this manual MUST be
followed. Techniques in this manual are a starting point for the new wheelchair user and
assistant with "safety" as the most important consideration for all.

Stability and Balance

WARNING
ALWAYS wear your seat positioning strap. The seat positioning strap is a
positioning belt only. It is not designed for use as a safety device withstanding high
stress loads such as auto or aircraft safety belts. If signs of wear appear, belt MUST
be replaced IMMEDIATELY.
DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you have to move forward in the seat or pick
them up from the floor by reaching down between your knees.
Proper positioning is essential for your safety. When reaching, leaning, bending or
bending forward, it is important to use the casters as a tool to maintain stability and
balance.
Many activities require the wheelchair user to reach, bend and transfer in and out of
the wheelchair. These movements will cause a change to the normal balance,
center of gravity, and weight distribution of the wheelchair. To determine and
establish your particular safety limits, practice bending, reaching and transferring
activities in several combinations in the presence of a qualified healthcare
professional before attempting active use of the wheelchair.
Be aware that carrying heavy objects on your lap while occupying the wheelchair
may adversely affect the stability of the wheelchair, resulting in serious bodily injury
to the user, damage to the wheelchair and surrounding property.
This wheelchair has been designed to accommodate one individual. If more than
one individual occupies the wheelchair this may adversely affect the stability of the
wheelchair, resulting in serious bodily injury to the user and passenger and damage
to the wheelchair and surrounding property.
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Pronto® M41 with SureStep® Part No. 1143206