R Healthcare
8 & 9 Series
User Guide
Page
16
October 2013 Revision E
STABILISERS ARE FOR OCCUPANT SAFETY
THEY SHOULD NOT BE REMOVED UNTIL THE USER IS ABLE TO
DEAL WITH BACKWARD FALLS AND TIP OUTS.
If stabilisers are removed for ascending or descending a flight of steps
additional carers and handlers should be present, and they should be
refitted when the manoeuvre has been completed.
Outdoor Safety Hints
Most pavements slope slightly towards the kerb and the wheelchair
may have a tendency to pull towards the road
.
Occupant controlled
Active User wheelchairs with cambered wheel setting reduce this
tendency.
The fitting of polyurethane tyres eliminates punctures, and provides
reassurance of not being stranded some distance from a service
centre, but the use of these tyres imposes a harder ride and the
wheels must be checked more frequently, to ensure that there is no
deterioration of spoke tension and security. Polyurethane tyres have
slightly less grip than pneumatic tyres, therefore, self propelled chairs
fitted with polyurethane tyres are also fitted with a high friction brake
shoe grip.
When out at night, ensure that both you and your wheelchair are
visible, consider both clothing, and light reflective trim features.
1.10 TRANSPORTATION
Wherever possible it is recommended that wheelchair occupants
transfer to a vehicle seat during a journey, with the wheelchair
securely stored separately in a purpose made storage area.
Stowing the wheelchair in a car boot
The folded chair should be placed close to the car boot with armrests,
footrests and other removable parts detached to split total weight into
component form. Wheelchairs with detachable wheels reduce the
weight for lifting. The person stowing the chair should grip convenient
fixed parts of the chair, and lift keeping the back straight, bending from
the hips and knees. If in any doubt about handling the weight,
assistance should be sought.
If stowing proves difficult due to
weight or space limitations, a
compact folding wheelchair such
as the Remploy Stowaway may
provide a practical and additional
alternative for transit purposes
and occasional use
Figure 12
Remploy Stowaway
