Tilting The Wheelchair - Invacare Duo Range User Manual

1.6 - Tilting (balancing on the rear wheels)
Tilting without help from a third person
Wheelchairs in the INVACARE range have been designed for use by
those who have mastered the technique of balancing on the rear wheels
without help from a third person. However, you should never exceed the
limitations of the wheelchair. Repeated shock on the castors caused by
tipping the wheelchair up yourself may affect the rigidity or settings of
your wheelchair. If your wheelchair is fitted with accessories, these may
affect the methods used for balancing on the rear wheels.
When you wish to learn a new technique, consult an experienced person
for advice in using your type of wheelchair.
Tilting with assistance from a third person:
The user should be sitting correctly and firmly in the chair or if unable to
support themselves, should be strapped in position to prevent him falling
out of the chair.
If a wheelchair user needs assistance in tilting the chair, the assistant must
know how to use his body correctly. Keep your back straight and bend at
the knee to tilt the wheelchair. Never exert too much force. The medical
team in charge of the user will advise you in the methods best suited to
your morphology. The INVACARE approved distributor will provide you with
information on the risks of using the wheelchair incorrectly if the wheelchair
has removeable parts such as armrests or leg rests. These must NEVER
be used as aids when lifting as they may inadvertently become detached
and cause injury .
To tilt the wheelchair, a third person
should grip the handles firmly. (Figure
17
17) Warn the user of the wheelchair
before tilting it and remind him/her to
lean backwards. Check that the user's
feet and hands are clear of all the
wheels. Place a foot on the foot step
tube and push smoothly until the
wheelchair is at the point of equilibrium.
At this stage, the helper will feel a
differ-ence in weight distribution which
usually occurs at an angle of about 30°.
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