4 SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS
Part No 1167484
21
Invacare
®
Crossfire™T7A Wheelchair
4.5
Tipping
When tipping the wheelchair, an assistant should grasp the back of the wheelchair on a non-removable (non-detachable) part. Inform the
wheelchair occupant before tilting the wheelchair and remind him/her to lean back. Be sure the occupant’s feet and hands are clear of all
wheels and/or pinch points. Apply a continuous motion until the balance point is achieved. At this point, the assistant will feel a difference in
the weight distribution. Turn the wheelchair in the desired direction if necessary. Slowly lower the wheelchair in one continuous movement.
Tipping - Curbs
After mastering the techniques of tipping the wheelchair, use the following method to tackle curbs, short stairs, etc.
Turn the anti-tippers, if equipped, so the wheels are facing UP. Unless the first assistant has exceptional upper body strength, it is recommended that two
assistants perform
this operation. The second assistant should be positioned at the front of the wheelchair lifting upward on a non-removable
(non-detachable) part of the wheelchair frame when lifting the wheelchair and stabilizing the wheelchair when the wheelchair is being lowered to the ground.
The first assistant should stand on the sidewalk and turn the wheelchair so that the rear wheels are against the curb. The wheelchair should be tilted
back to the balance point and, in one continuous upward
movement, the rear wheels should be pulled up and over the curb. DO NOT return the
front casters to the ground until the wheelchair has been pulled backward far enough for the front casters to clear the edge of the curb.
WARNING
DO NOT tip the wheelchair without assistance
Do not let the wheelchair drop the last few inches to the ground. This could result in injury to the occupant.
WARNING
Invacare does not recommend that sport wheelchairs be used where traversing curbs present an obstacle. Possible injury
to occupant and/or assistant(s) can occur. Transfer to an everyday use wheelchair is recommended if any such obstacles
may be encountered.
