6 MEDLINE
K1 Guardian| K2 Guardian | K3 Guardian | Guardian Recliner | PIC-00270 (Rev: 02-23-21)
1-800-MEDLINE (633-5463)
|
medline.com 7
Recliner models only
Make sure the stabilizer bar is securely attached
BEFORE
using the wheelchair.
DO NOT
use the recliner wheelchair without the stabilizer bar securely locked in place.
The push canes must be reclined evenly and stay even during use. The push canes should not be used at different angles. Failure to do so may
result in failure to the push cane.
The recliner wheelchair
MUST
be operated by a healthcare professional or assistant when in
ANY
reclined position. Caregivers
MUST
be
prepared to support the weight of the occupant when reclining or returning the wheelchair occupant to the full upright position. Use proper
body mechanics when inclining (lifting) the back of the chair.
Completely engage
BOTH
wheel locks before reclining/lifting the wheelchair while the occupant is sitting in it.
Make sure the occupant is properly positioned before the wheelchair is reclined/lifted.
DO NOT
use the recliner wheelchair without the anti-tip devices installed. Anti-tippers
MUST
be attached at all times and both must be adjusted
to the same height. Ensure the anti-tippers are secured as evidenced by the spring buttons fully protruding out of the holes. Make sure both
canes are at the same angle BEFORE releasing the handles of the reclining mechanism.
Adjustments
DO NOT
operate, maintain, or adjust the wheelchair without reading and understanding all instructions in the manual.
DO NOT
adjust the footrests any closer than 2.5
"
(6.4 cm) from the floor.
DO NOT
modify the wheelchair. Examples: drilling holes, grinding, welding parts, using non-authorized / non-approved parts.
Such modifications may change the chair’s structure and center of balance which may increase the risk of serious injury to the user
and void the warranty.
Before each use
√
Make sure the chair rolls easily and that all parts work smoothly.
√
Check for noise, vibration, or any change in use. Changes may indicate loose parts or wheelchair damage.
√
Check to ensure wheel locks are in good working order.
√
Make sure hand grips are not loose and cannot be moved or twisted.
√
Make sure the seatback is locked in the upright position.
√
Make sure that lap belt is securely attached to the wheelchair.
√
If chair is damaged, discontinue use until completely repaired.
√
Have any problem found repaired promptly with authorized parts.
Guidelines:
Safety & handling of wheelchairs
Center of gravity, balance and stability
This Medline wheelchair has been designed to be safe and stable during normal transport activity as long as proper balance is maintained. The
point at which a wheelchair will tip forward, backward, or to the side depends on its center of balance. To assure stability and proper operation
of the wheelchair, the center of gravity must be maintained in the chair. Center of gravity is the point at which all the weight of an object can be
considered to be concentrated and represents the balance point.
Most activities such as transferring in and out of the wheelchair, bending, and reaching affect the center of gravity and weight distribution
of the wheelchair. Addition of accessories such as a backpack will also re-distribute weight. Loss of proper balance may cause the chair to tip
over. Use of the seat belt is advised to help maintain stability by minimizing movement within the wheelchair seat. The use of anti-tip devices,
especially when maneuvering on ramps or inclines, will also enhance safety.
To assure safe operation of the wheelchair, ALL of the Warnings and Instructions in this manual must be followed. Failure to do so may result in
tipping the wheel chair over or causing the user to fall which may result in serious bodily injury or damage to the wheelchair.
Some basic wheelchair safety guidelines follow. The guidelines are critical for standard wheelchair use, however, the principles also hold true for
transport chairs. If any of the following activities are required while using the wheelchairs, these guidelines must be followed to ensure safety
and to avoid potential injury to the user or the transporter and to avoid damage to the chair.
Reaching / leaning / bending – forward or sideways
• Position the wheelchair as close as possible to the object.
• When reaching forward make sure the front casters are pointing in a forward position (Fig. 1). This extends the wheel base and will help
stabilize the chair.
• When reaching sideways position the casters to provide the greatest stability side to side (Fig. 2).
• Make sure the wheel locks are engaged before activity.
•
DO NOT
attempt to reach for objects if doing so means you must move forward in the seat.
DO NOT
shift your weight toward the direction
you are reaching.
•
DO NOT
attempt to reach objects if you have to pick them up from the floor by reaching down between your knees.
•
DO NOT
shift your weight or seat position toward the direction you are reaching.
Guidelines:
Safety & handling of wheelchairs
Reaching / leaning – backward
Position the wheelchair as close as possible to the object.
Make sure the front casters are pointing in a forward position (Fig. 3). This extends the wheel base
and will help stabilize the chair.
DO NOT
engage the wheel locks – if your weight shifts while reaching backwards it is better for the
wheelchair to roll than to tip.
DO NOT
lean back over the top of the back upholstery.
Reach back only as far as your arm will extend without changing your position in the seat (Fig. 3).
Transferring into and out of the wheelchair
Transferring to and from the wheelchair is a significant task that requires balance, agility and upper
body strength. Practice with your healthcare provider before attempting transfers. If possible,
always use a transfer board and have assistance available.
• Position the wheelchair as close as possible.
• Position both casters parallel to the seat you are transferring to.
• Make sure both wheel locks are engaged.
• Remove the armrest and the footrests that are in the transfer path.
•
DO NOT
put weight on the foot rests.
• Transfer as far back into the seat or onto the bed/chair as possible.
• On the recliner wheelchair models, make sure the seat back is in the upright position and the stabilizer bar is securely in place.
Obstacles
Obstacles such as floor threshold strips, uneven floors, cords or items on the floor, or cracks in pavements can damage your wheelchair and may
cause loss of control or a tip over. Be alert! Scan your path and avoid any items that may cause instability.
Fig. 3
Fig. 2
Fig. 1
