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Class 1 Medical
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backward far enough for the front casters to clear the edge of the curb.
3.3
Stairways and Escalators
WARNING – DO NOT
use an escalator to move a wheelchair between floors. Serious bodily injury may occur.
WARNING – DO NOT
attempt to lift a wheelchair by lifting on any removable (detachable) parts. Lifting by
means of any removable (detachable) parts of a wheelchair may result in injury
to the user or damage to the wheelchair.
Extreme caution is advised when it is necessary to move an occupied wheelchair
up or down the stairs. PDG recommends using two (2) assistants and making
thorough preparations. Make sure to use ONLY secure, non-detachable parts
for hand-held supports.
Follow this procedure for moving the wheelchair between floors when an
elevator is NOT available:
1.
After the wheelchair has been tilted back to the balance point, once
assistant (in the rear) backs the wheelchair up against the first step, while
securely grasping a non-removable (non-detachable) part of the wheelchair for
leverage.
2.
The second assistant, with a firm hold on a non-detachable part of the
framework, lifts the wheelchair up and over the stair and steadies the wheelchair as the first
assistant places one (1) foot on the next stair and repeats STEP 1.
3.
The wheelchair should not be lowered until the last stair has been negotiated and the wheelchair
has been rolled away from the stairway.
3.4 Transferring to and from Other Seats
WARNING —
BEFORE attempting to transfer in or out of the wheelchair, every precaution should be taken to
reduce gap distance. Turn both casters toward the object you are
transferring onto. Also be certain the wheel locks are engaged to help
prevent wheels from moving.
CAUTION —
When transferring, position yourself as far back as possible in
the seat. This will prevent damaged upholstery and the possibility of the
wheelchair tipping forward.
NOTE
— This activity may be performed independently provided you have
adequate mobility and upper body strength.
1.
Position the wheelchair as close as possible alongside the seat to
which you are transferring, with the front casters pointing toward it. Engage wheel locks. Shift body
weight into seat with transfer.
2.
During independent transfer, little or no seat platform will be beneath you. Use a transfer board if at all
possible.
Figure 3.3: Assistant positioning
for climbing stairs
Figure 3.4: Transferring to and
from other seats
