4 SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS
25
Tipping - Curbs
After mastering the techniques of tipping the wheelchair, use this
procedure to tackle curbs, short stairs, etc.
Method 1 - Wheelchair with Step Tubes
Apply a continuous downward motion until the balance point is achieved
and the front casters clear the curb. At this point, the assistant will feel
a difference in the weight distribution.
Roll the wheelchair forward and slowly lower the wheelchair in one
continuous movement onto the sidewalk.
FIGURE
Method 1 - Wheelchair with Step Tubes
Push the wheelchair forward until the rear wheels roll up and over the curb.
Method 2 - Wheelchair without Step Tubes
1.
Unless the first assistant has exceptional upper body strength, it is
recommended that METHOD 2 use two assistants.
The second assistant should be positioned at the front of the wheelchair
lifting upward on the non removable (non-detachable) part of the
wheelchair frame when lifting the wheelchair and stabilizing the
wheelchair when the wheelchair is being lowered to the ground.
The first assistant should stand on the sidewalk and turn the wheelchair
so that the rear wheels are against the curb. The wheelchair should be
tilted back to the balance point and, in one continuous downward
movement, the rear wheels should be pulled up and over the curb. DO
NOT return the front casters to the ground until the wheelchair has
been pulled backward far enough for the front casters to clear the edge
of the curb.
FIGURE
2
Method 2 - Wheelchair without Step Tubes
WARNING
DO NOT let the wheelchair drop the last few inches to the ground. This could result in injury to the occupant.
