SECTION 3—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS
Part No. 1118386
19
P9000
™
XDT
Coping With Everyday Obstacles
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.
Proper positioning is essential for your safety. When reaching, leaning, bending or
bending forward, it is important to use the casters as a tool to maintain stability and
balance.
Many activities require the wheelchair user to reach, bend and transfer in and out of
the wheelchair. These movements will cause a change to the normal balance,
center of gravity, and 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.
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.
While the P9000 XDT is designed for use primarily in and around the home, the provider
should determine whether this chair is suitable for the actual environment the chair will
be used in.
DO NOT go down ramp at full speed. Some seat/back positions will cause wheelchair to
feel unstable.
CAUTION
Be aware of condition of ramp. Traction will be diminished/nonexistent on a
slippery surface. Proceed with caution.
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 tilting wheelchair or
traversing curbs or other impediments.
Also, be aware of detachable parts such as arms 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.
