34
© Ferno-Washington, Inc 234-3479-02
34
Using the Chair
8.8 Using a Chair Without Power
DESCENDiNG STaiRS WiThOUT POWER
If the system loses power, the belts are free to rotate,
however, the internal speed limiter will limit the speed
of the belts as the chair descends the stairs. Use care and
control the descent of an unpowered chair.
Follow the instructions in
Transporting the Patient Down
Stairs,
pages 30-31, and allow the tracks to carry the weight
of the chair and patient.
Note:
If the operators choose to use the chair without power,
press the brake button on the control panel to disengage the
brake (see
Brake Button,
page 19).
CaRRyiNG a NON-POWERED ChaiR UP STaiRS
If the power system fails for any reason during an ascent, the
operators must pick up the chair with its patient and carry
them up the stairs.
●
Before lifting, verify the patient is properly restrained.
Use additional restraints and additional help as needed.
●
Ferno recommends that the two operators face each
other when transporting a patient on stairs and that a
third person “spot” for the lead operator. Follow your
local protocols for carrying chairs.
●
Carrying the chair up stairs requires a minimum of
two trained operators working together. Use additional
help as needed (see
Using Additional Help,
page 35).
1.
Both Operators:
See
Pausing on the Stairs
, page 31,
if you need to stop to rest while on the stairs. Engage
the wheel locks.
2.
Foot-end Operator:
Extend the foot-end lift handles
to the desired position. Verify that both handles are
locked and maintain your grasp.
3.
Head-end Operator:
Raise the lift bar to the desired
position and verify that it is locked.
CLOSE the track
system
.
Note:
Close the track system to prevent it from interfering
with the steps as you carry the chair.
4.
Spotter:
Stand behind the lead operator with a hand
on the lead operator’s back to help steady and guide
him/her throughout the move.
5.
Head-end Operator:
Disengage the wheel locks.
6.
Operators, Helpers, and Spotter:
Work together to
lift and carry the chair up the stairs. The spotter keeps
a hand on the lead operator’s back and provides verbal
guidance (Figure 52).
7.
Operators and Helpers:
When the destination is
reached, set the chair on the floor.
8.
Foot-end Operator:
Retract the lift handles.
9.
Head-end Operator:
Adjust the lift bar to a
comfortable height before rolling the chair.
Not Visible:
Track System in
Storage Position
52
Non-Powered Operation
The chair can be used for non-powered
descent if the power system becomes disabled
due to low battery charge or other factors.