6
7
Lean your body forwards while holding the two armrests and lifting yourself to
standing position. Then move to the place where you wish to sit, taking your
weight on your arms and hands.
( Figure 10 )
WARNING
Never stand up on the foot rests when you are
getting in or out of the wheelchair.
( Figure 11 )
1.3 - Tilting (balancing on the rear
wheels)
Do not tilt the wheelchair without assistance
unless you have mastered the technique of
balancing on the rear wheels.
NOTE FOR THIRD PERSON
If a wheelchair user needs assistance, use your body correctly. Keep your
back straight and bend at the knee to tip the wheelchair, mount pavements,
negotiate stairs or any other obstacles.
Also take care of moving parts such as the armrests or legrests. These must
NEVER
be used as aids when lifting as they may inadvertently become
detached and hurt yourself and/or your helpers.
When you are learning a new method of assistance, ask an experienced
helper to advise you before putting it into practice on your own.
To tilt the wheelchair, a third person should grip the handles firmly, ensuring
that the handles are properly fixed. Warn the occupant of the wheelchair
before tilting it and remind him/her to lean backwards. Check that the
occupant’s feet and hands are clear of all the wheels. Place a foot on the
foot step tube and move continuously until the wheelchair is at the point of
equilibrium. At this stage, the helper will feel a difference in weight distribution
which usually occurs at an angle of about 30°. Turn the wheelchair in the
direction required, if necessary.
LOWER the front, holding the handles to lower the wheelchair slowly
and continuously. Do not lower the wheelchair suddenly for the last few
centimetres from the ground. This might hurt the occupant.
11
