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Extreme caution is advised when it is necessary to move an occupied wheelchair
up or down the stairs. Probasics recommends that, if possible, the user be
removed from the wheelchair prior to moving. Probasics recommends using two
(2) assistants and making thorough preparations. Make sure to use ONLY secure,
non-detachable parts for hand-held supports.
Follow this procedure for moving the wheelchair between floors when an elevator is
NOT
available:
1. After the wheelchair has been tilted back to the balance point, one assistant (in the
rear) backs the wheelchair up against the first step, while securely grasping a
non-removable (non-detachable) part of the wheelchair for leverage.
2. The second assistant, with a firm hold on a non-detachable part of the framework, lifts
the wheelchair up and over the stair and steadies the wheelchair as the first assistant
places one (1) foot on the next stair and repeats STEP 1.
3. The wheelchair should not be lowered until the last stair has been negotiated and the
wheelchair has been rolled away from the stairway.
WARNING
DO NOT use an escalator to move a wheelchair between floors. Serious bodily
injury may occur.
Folding and Unfolding Wheelchair
Unfolding
1. Open the wheelchair by grasping the push handle of the wheelchair closest
to you.
2. Tilt the wheelchair toward you (raising the opposite wheel and caster off the
ground/floor).
3. Push downward on the top of the seat rail closest to you where the seat upholstery is
attached until the wheelchair is fully open.
Folding
WARNING
ALWAYS use the straps on the seat rails when folding the wheelchair. Otherwise,
hands and fingers may become pinched between the seat rail and the armrest and
injury may occur.
