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Introduction 

Thank you for purchasing this Direct Supply Panacea Heavy-Duty 

Extra-Wide Wheelchair from Direct Supply Equipment & Furnishings, a 

division of Direct Supply, Inc. In this owner’s manual, you’ll find important 

information that you should read before assembling and using this 

device. Please keep this manual available for future reference. Should 

you have any questions, please contact your Direct Supply Equipment & 

Furnishings account manager or Direct Supply Manufacturing, Inc.

Definitions and Symbols

The Direct Supply Panacea Heavy-Duty Extra-Wide Wheelchair is 

distributed by Direct Supply Manufacturing, Inc. (“We,” “Us” or 

“Our”). “You” are the facility, community or other entity that has 

purchased the product. 

• 

WARNING

: calls your attention to a potential danger that requires correct 

procedures or practices in order to prevent personal injury or death. 

• 

CAUTION

: correct operating or maintenance procedures must be 

followed in order to prevent damage to or destruction of the product or 

other property.

Warnings and Cautions

Read carefully all directions and warnings before using this device. Do not 

operate this device without first reading and understanding the contents of 

this manual. Death or injury may result from the improper use of this device 

or failure to follow all directions and warnings. This device is intended for 

use by or under the supervision of trained and licensed healthcare providers 

in normal, indoor conditions. 

• 

WARNING: 

This wheelchair has not been approved as a seat that can 

be used within vehicles of any kind. Always transfer wheelchair user to a 

vehicle manufacturers-approved seat and use safety restraints available.

• 

WARNING: 

Do not operate this wheelchair on roadways, streets or any 

surfaces with vehicular traffic.

• 

WARNING: 

Do not attempt to operate on inclines 10° or greater without 

proper assistance.

• 

WARNING: 

Be sure to completely engage wheel locks when getting in 

and out of wheelchair or when in elevator or wheelchair lift.

• 

WARNING: 

Wheelchair locks should be used only when the wheelchair 

is at a complete stop. The locks are not intended to be used when the 

wheelchair is moving. Do not use locks as brakes to slow down. 

• 

WARNING: 

Wheelchair should be on a smooth, stable and level area with 

wheel locks engaged before transferring user in or out of wheelchair.

• 

WARNING: 

Do not adjust footrests any lower than 2

1

2

" from floor.

• 

WARNING: 

When getting in or out of wheelchair, do not stand on or 

apply weight to footrests.

• 

WARNING: 

Before reaching or leaning forward, rotate casters to front 

of the wheelchair and engage wheel locks to help prevent wheelchair from 

tipping over.

• 

WARNING: 

Do not lean out of the chair or apply weight to the top of 

wheelchair back. This can cause wheelchair to tip over. When trying to 

extend arms over back, only allow residents to reach as far as their arm can 

extend without having to alter their seating position.

• 

WARNING: 

DO NOT stand on wheelchair.

• 

WARNING: 

Abruptly stopping or changing directions while going up or 

down an incline could cause instability or possible tipping over.

• 

WARNING: 

A skilled caregiver should assess the appropriateness of 

removing footrests or legrests on a case-by-case basis. 

• 

WARNING: 

Always provide assistance to residents transferring into and 

out of this device.

• 

WARNING: 

Do not make any modifications to this device or use 

non-Panacea parts. Doing so may void the warranty and pose a risk to 

the resident.

• 

CAUTION: 

State and local codes and regulations may prohibit 

the removal of footrests. Check with your local authorities to ensure 

compliance with all applicable regulations. 

• 

WARNING: 

This device may not be suitable for all individuals. A skilled 

caregiver should always assess the appropriateness of this device for a 

resident on a case by case basis. 

Directions for Use

Wheel locks:

 

Engage both wheel locks before getting in or out of chair, 

leaning forward in chair, or while in an elevator or wheelchair lift. Proper 

adjustment of wheel lock is at least 

1

8

" when locked. Locks are engaged 

by pushing handle completely forward. Adjustments to locks are made by 

loosening or tightening nut on the carriage bolt. Embed lock to show at least 

1

8

" by sliding clamp toward rear wheel while handle is in locked position. Test 

for correct locking action and the resident’s ability to engage wheel locks 

before each use. 

Tires:

 

The solid rubber tires on your Direct Supply Panacea Wheelchair need 

minimal maintenance, but should be cleaned occasionally with a damp cloth. 

Replace if tires become severely worn or if cracking appears.

Front casters:

 

Caster should be checked periodically and lubricated 

occasionally. Lubricate by removing fork and greasing caster stem 

bearings. Lubricate wheel bearings by removing wheel from fork. 

Reassemble fork and wheel by tightening nuts until no play remains, 

but wheels roll freely. If nut is too loose, caster will shimmy. If nut is 

too tight, the chair will be difficult to steer. 

Removal of swingaway footrests/legrests:

 

Release lock by 

pushing on the front rigging lever. Swing footrest/legrest out and 

sideways. Lift to remove. 

Adjusting length of footrest/legrest:

 

When adjusting length of 

footrests or legrests, user should be sitting in wheelchair with feet on 

the footplates. Loosen bolt on the clamp around support assembly. 

Raise or lower footplate to desired position, taking into account the 

support of thighs. Front rigging should not be so low that it causes 

uncomfortable pressure to thighs at front of seat upholstery. Footrest 

should not be lower than 2

1

2

" from the ground to ensure clearance.

Adjusting/elevating legrest:

 

Lift footplate on legrest assembly to 

desired position. Release legrest assembly and it will automatically 

lock into place. To lower, push out on legrest lever and lower 

footplate to desired position.

Wheels:

 

Large rear wheels should be inspected at least once a 

month to ensure proper tightness. If wheel wobbles or is loose, 

release lock nut and tighten axle bolt slightly. Test for proper 

tightness by leaning chair to one side and spinning adjusted wheel.

General care:

 

Wipe chrome parts with a clean, soft cloth at least 

once a week. All metal parts can be cleaned with auto wax or similar 

devices. If exposed to moisture, dry immediately. Do not use an 

abrasive cleanser that will scratch the finish.

To open chair:

 

Open wheelchair by tilting to one side and pushing 

down on seat rail until fully opened.

To close/fold chair:

 

First fold footplates to vertical position. Grab 

seat with both hands at front and back edge and lift. Or, tilt chair to 

one side and lift up on seat rail.

To remove arms:

 

Remove arms by depressing spring button and 

lifting arms out of front and rear sockets.

1-800-634-7328

  

DirectSupply.com

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