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GF0600055RevA06, October 006
Everest Lite Owner's Manual
III HAndLInG tIps
The Everest & Jennings® Everest Lite has been designed and engineered to perform as a
stable and well balanced unit when used as intended, but it is possible to tip the Everest
Lite over if used improperly. We urge you to learn the characteristics of your wheelchair.
It is most important to learn safe methods to perform the daily activities basic to your
lifestyle. Consult healthcare professionals for assistance in developing the skills and
proper techniques to perform all activities safely.
BALAnCE
Proper balance is the key to maintaining the stability of your wheelchair. Reaching, bend-
ing, and transferring to or from a wheelchair will change the weight distribution and
center of gravity of you and your wheelchair. When performing such activities, do so as
instructed in the following paragraphs to avoid tipping the wheelchair.
tRAnsFER ACtIVItIEs
WARNING: Always ensure that wheelchair is on a stable, level surface, engage the
drive engagement levers, and turn wheelchair power off before transfer.
WARNING: Do not step on the footboard during transfer; this could cause the
wheelchair to tip. Fold the footboard up during transfer. There is a criti-
cal moment when there is little or no seat platform beneath you. Take
every precaution to reduce this unsupported distance before you at-
tempt transfer.
Transferring to or from a wheelchair is a very difficult maneuver. Exercise extreme care
when transferring without the aid of either an attendant or a patient lift. Consult health-
care professionals for assistance in developing your individual technique. Make sure that
the wheelchair is stabilized, and will not move or slide during the transfer. Take extra
precaution to prevent tipping. Use good body mechanics to prevent personal injury.
REACHInG / BEndInG
Although it is not recommended, you may find it occasionally necessary to lean or reach
from your wheelchair. Consult with healthcare professionals for assistance in developing
your personal safe reaching or moving techniques suited to your ability and restrictions.
Forward or sideward
WARNING: Do not attempt to reach objects if you are required to move forward in
the seat. Do not attempt to retrieve objects from the floor if you must
reach down between your knees. Do not shift your weight in the direc-
tion that you are reaching and/or bending; this could cause the wheel-
chair to tip.
1. Maneuver the wheelchair as close as possible to the object you wish to reach.
2. Reach only as far as your arm will extend without changing your sitting position. If in
doubt, reposition the wheelchair or ask for assistance.