Invacare rea Focus, User Manual

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Rea® Focus™
6.2.4 Propelling down a slope
The wheelchair can manage a slope of 15°.
Risk of falling
– Steep slopes should be avoided for safety reasons.
–
We recommend that you obtain the help of one or
more assistants when going down steep and wet
slopes.
WARNING!
Risk of falling/injury
The wheelchair may move forward uncontrollably.
–
Check the slope to see if there are any particular
hazards, potholes, slippery sections.
–
Never use the user-operated brake to slow down.
When you apply the brake on a downward slope, the
wheels lock and the wheelchair can suddenly pull to
one side, tip sideways or stop immediately. This may
cause you to be thrown out of the chair.
–
Always control the speed with the hand rims.
–
Try to propel down the slope in a straight line as much
as possible.
CAUTION!
Risk of minor injury
– Remember that the hand rims may become hot due to
friction, and this may cause injury to your hands.
6.2.5 Climbing a kerb
This method is for when the assistant is always behind the wheelchair
and it creates the greatest safety for the user. The following advice
is for the assistant:
1. Adjust the anti-tip devices upwards. Ensure that the user’s feet
rest securely on the footrests and cannot slide off. Then tilt the
wheelchair backwards and push it forwards against the kerb.
2. Lower the frontal part of the wheelchair onto the pavement and
place yourself as close to the chair as possible, before you lift
up the whole wheelchair.
3. Lean forward and lift/roll the wheelchair over the pavement edge.
4. Lower the wheelchair onto the pavement so that the weight is
divided on all four wheels. Ensure that the wheelchair does not
roll backwards.
To dismount kerb, follow the procedure above, but in
reverse order (step 4, 3, 2 and then 1) to move off a kerb.
6.2.6 Kerbs — alternative method
This method is generally used by experienced assistants who are
stronger than average. It can also be used when the kerb or step is
low and only constitutes a minimal obstacle.
1. The assistant steps backwards onto the pavement and pulls the
wheelchair up onto the pavement.
2. Tip the wheelchair backwards and roll the chair over the kerb
onto the pavement.
CAUTION!
Risk of injury
Incorrect method could cause injury to the assistant.
–
It is important for the assistant to use his or her body
correctly to prevent injury.
Take particular care if the kerb is wet or slippery.
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