Greencare DB1J 13, User Manual

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Planning a trip
For a carer and occupant, pushing a
wheelchair can be an enjoyment provided
that there is mutual confidence and
understanding. In this context both carer and
occupant are both wheelchair users.
When first planning a trip, all users should
check the distance and terrain to be covered,
bearing in mind that steps and kerbs are
obstacles that should be avoided if possible,
and a slope going out is a hill coming back.
A combination of slope and camber is
common in many areas. For new users, trying
the chair out on typical surface conditions
nearby is recommended, having friends along
is also a good idea, before venturing on a
longer trip.
Before taking a wheelchair outside, routine
user safety checks on the main components,
and occupant security, should be carried out.
When brakes are set correctly they should
hold the wheelchair from movement on an 8-
degree slope in either the forwards or
rearwards facing direction. This is a functional
test, to be carried out as part of routine
maintenance. Brakes should not be used to
hold an occupied wheelchair on any slope.
Carers should be familiar with the occupant
personal needs and the operation of the
wheelchair. Where applicable, detachable
features should be checked for security,
before setting out on a journey. The carer
should make sure that the occupant is
comfortable and that clothes, rugs, covers,
seat belt etc do not catch in the wheels.
The carer should walk at a sensible speed,
maintaining a firm grip on the push handles,
advising the occupant before changing
position, tipping the chair or maneuvering,
paying attention to the surface conditions,
avoiding uneven or soft ground. Uneven
ground effects the weight distribution and
control of the wheelchair and should be
avoided.
Kerbs and Active Occupant control.
Physically active, independent people
require wheelchairs which allow them to
safely negotiate kerbs and obstacles when
necessary and generally achieve energy
efficient control and manoeuvrability.
It can be hazardous for an occupant to
attempt wheelie positions on wheelchairs
which are stable above 10 degrees
rearwards static stability, as physical effort
needed to manoeuvre and pull a wheelie can
be excessive, and difficult to maintain,
consequently increasing the risk of
accidentally tipping over backwards.
Maximum efficiency of hand propulsion
occurs when occupant centre of gravity and
wheel centre coincide, and is dependent on
the occupant shape and size. The Greencare
system allows the wheelchair to be tailored to
optimise this.
Physically active people with upper body
control may be capable of wheelchair skills
with wheelchairs configured to fine wheel
position balance settings, i.e. below 10
degrees rearward stability. These chairs
should have anti tippers fitted, when supplied
to inexperienced users, allowing the user to
practice balancing techniques, in a
supervised training environment, with the
reassurance that the chair will not easily tip.
Tip outs may be inevitable for a very active
user. Training is a significant factor in
improving safe use. Anti tippers should not
be removed until the occupant is able to deal
with backwards falls and tip outs without
injury occurring as a result.
Generally kerbs should be avoided, access
ramps to be used wherever available. These
are safer and require less effort.
GETTING AROUND SAFELY AND ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES
16