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11 Driving technique, manoeuvring
- Descend carefully one step at
a time, keeping the wheel-
chair balanced on its rear
wheels at all times.
- After clearing the last step,
“set down” the wheel-
chair once again on all four
wheels.
Be sure to turn the
anti-tips back to the
down position after
completed transfer.
(!)
The care givers should remem-
ber to use the strength in their
legs and to keep their backs as
straight as possible while lift-
ing.
11:6 Driving technique, stairs: down
Always ask for help.
Never use an escalator, even
if a care giver is available.
We always recommend using two
carers for this transfer. One who
walks behind and holds on to the
push handle and one who walks in
front and holds on to the frame (or in
the legrests if these are lockable).
With care giver, forwards:
-
Be sure to turn the anti-tips
back to the up position and
ensure that height adjustable
push handles are securely
tightened.
-
Drive forward to the first step
and tilt the wheelchair onto
its rear wheels if necessary
with help from the tilter.
11:7 Driving technique, transfering into/out of the wheelchair
The technique for transferring a user
should be practised with trained
personnel. All that is provided here
is some important advice to consider
in conjunction with transferring a
user into or out of the wheelchair.
With or without a care giver, sideways.
Before transferring:
-
Increase the overall support base
of the wheelchair by reversing for
about 10 cm, thereby ensuring the
castor wheels swing forwards.
The wheelchair should be
placed as close to where the
transfer is going to take place
as possible.
-
Apply the brakes, remove or
swing up armrest/side guard
and legrest on the side you
intend to move across.
With or without a care giver, from the
front.
Before transferring:
-
Increase the overall support base
of the wheelchair by reversing for
about 10 cm, thereby ensuring
the castor wheels swing for-
wards.
The wheelchair should be
placed as close to where the
transfer is going to take place
as possible.
-
Apply the brakes, remove
the armrest/side guard and
swing the legrest in under
the seat one the side you
intend to move across.
Never stand on the foot-
rests as you may tip the
chair.
(!) The care givers should remem-
ber to use the strength in their
legs and to keep their backs as
straight as possible while lifting.