Safety/Handling Of Wheelchairs - Invacare PATRIOT Manuel De L'utilisateur Et D'entretien

GENERAL GUIDELINES
SAFETY/HANDLING OF
WHEELCHAIRS
"Safety and Handling" of the wheelchair requires the close
attention of the wheelchair user as well as the assistant.
This manual points out the most common procedures
and techniques involved in the safe operation and mainte-
nance of the wheelchair. It is important to practice and
master these safe techniques until you are comfortable in
maneuvering around the frequently encountered architec-
tural barriers.
Use this information only as a "basic" guide. The tech-
niques that are discussed on the following pages have
been used successfully by many.
Individual wheelchair users often develop skills to deal with
daily living activities that may differ from those described
in this manual. Invacare recognizes and encourages each
individual to try what works best for him/her in overcom-
ing architectural obstacles that they may encounter, how-
ever, ALL WARNINGS and CAUTIONS given in this manual
MUST be followed. Techniques in this manual are a start-
ing point for the new wheelchair user and assistant with
"safety" as the most important consideration for all.
Stability and Balance
WARNING
ALWAYS wear your Seat and/or Chest Po-
sitioning Strap. Inasmuch as the SEAT and/
or CHEST POSITIONING STRAP is an option
on this wheelchair (You may order with or
without the Seat and/or Chest Position-
ing Strap), Invacare strongly recommends
ordering the Seat and/or Chest Position-
ing Strap as an additional safeguard for
the wheelchair user.
To assure stability and proper operation of your wheel-
chair, you must at all times maintain proper balance. Your
wheelchair has been designed to remain upright and stable
during normal daily activities as long as you do not move
beyond the center of gravity.
Virtually all activities which involve movement in the wheel-
chair have an effect on the center of gravity. Invacare rec-
ommends using seat positioning straps for additional
safety while involved in activities that shift your weight.
DO NOT lean forward out of the wheelchair any further
than the length of the armrests. Make sure the casters
are pointing in the forward position whenever you lean
forward. This can be achieved by advancing the wheel-
chair and then reversing it in a straight line.
Coping With Everyday Obstacles
Coping with the irritation of everyday obstacles can be
alleviated somewhat by learning how to manage your wheel-
chair. 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, re-
member to use good body mechanics. Keep your back
straight and bend your knees whenever tilting wheelchair
or traversing curbs, or other impediments.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to lift the wheelchair by
any removable (detachable) parts. Lifting
by means of any removable (detachable)
parts of a wheelchair may result in injury to
the user or damage to the wheelchair.
Also, be aware of detachable parts such as arms or leg-
rests. These must NEVER be used for hand-hold or lift-
ing supports, as they may be inadvertently released, re-
sulting in possible injury to the user and/or assistant(s).
When learning a new assistance technique, have an ex-
perienced assistant help you before attempting it alone.
Percentage of Weight Distribution
WARNING
The back height, front caster position, seat-
to-floor angle, position of the rear wheels,
correct anti-tipper as well as the end user's
disability or end user's physical condition
and capabilities directly relate to the sta-
bility of the wheelchair. Any change to
one (1) or any combination of the eight
(8) may cause the wheelchair to decrease
in stability. These adjustments MUST be per-
formed by a qualified technician.
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.
Many activities require the wheelchair user
to reach, bend and transfer in and out of
the wheelchair. These movements will
cause a change to normal balance, cen-
ter of gravity, and weight distribution of the
wheelchair. To determine and establish your
particular safety limits, practice bending,
reaching and transferring activities in sev-
eral combinations in the presence of a
qualified healthcare professional BEFORE
attempting active use of the wheelchair.
7
PROCEDURE 1
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