SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS
9000 Jymni™Pediatric Series
18
Part No 1100868
Coping With Everyday Obstacles
Coping with the irritation of everyday obstacles can be alleviated somewhat by learning
how to manage your wheelchair. Keep in mind your center of gravity to maintain stability
and balance.
A Note to Wheelchair Assistants
When assistance to the wheelchair user is required, remember to use good body
mechanics. Keep your back straight and bend your knees whenever tipping the
wheelchair or traversing curbs, or other impediments.
DO NOT attempt to lift the wheelchair by any removable (detachable) parts. Lifting by
means of any removable (detachable) parts of the wheelchair may result in injury to the
user or damage to the wheelchair.
ALWAYS check hand grips for looseness before using the wheelchair. If loose and/or
worn, replace immediately.
Jymni Recliner Only - DO NOT use the spreader bar to lift the wheelchair.
Also, be aware of detachable parts such as the spreader bar (Jymni Recliner Only),
armrests or legrests. These must NEVER be used to move the wheelchair or as lifting
supports, as they may be inadvertently released, resulting in possible injury to the user
and/or assistant(s).
When learning a new assistance technique, have an experienced assistant help you before
attempting it alone.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you have to move forward in the seat or pick
them up from the floor by reaching down between your knees.
The seat depth, back height/angle, seat angle, size/position of the front casters,
size/position of the rear wheels, anti-tipper model, as well as the user condition
directly relate to the stability of the wheelchair. Any change to one or any combina-
tion of the ten may cause the wheelchair to decrease in stability. These adjustments
MUST be performed by a qualified technician.
Many activities require the wheelchair owner to reach, bend and transfer in and out of the
wheelchair. These movements will cause a change to the normal balance, the center of
gravity, and the weight distribution of the wheelchair. To determine and establish your
particular safety limits, practice bending, reaching and transferring activities in several
combinations in the presence of a qualified healthcare professional before attempting
active use of the wheelchair.
Proper positioning is essential for your safety. When reaching, leaning, or bending
forward, it is important to use the front casters as a tool to maintain stability and balance.
