Transfers

I I . S A F E T Y

WARNING! Do not bend, lean, or reach for objects if you have to pick them up from the floor by reaching down between your knees or if you have to reach over the back of the seat. Movements such as these may change your center of gravity and the weight distribution of the power chair. This may cause your power chair to tip.

WARNING! Keep your hands away from the tires when driving. Be aware that loose fitting clothing can become caught in drive tires.

Transferring onto and off of your power chair requires a good sense of balance. Always have an attendant or healthcare professional present while learning to prop- erly transfer yourself.

To eliminate the possibility of injury, Pride recom- mends that you or a trained attendant perform the fol- lowing tasks before attempting a transfer:

Turn off the power to the controller.

Ensure your power chair is not in freewheel mode. See III. “Your Power Chair.”

Turn the caster wheels toward the transfer destination to improve power chair stability during transfer.

Make sure both armrests are flipped up or removed from your power chair.

Flip up the foot platform or move the leg rests aside; this will help to keep your feet from getting caught on the front rigging during the transfer.

Reduce the distance between your power chair and Figure 4. Ideal Transfer Position the object you are transferring onto.

WARNING! Before transferring, position yourself as far back as possible in the power chair seat to prevent the power chair from tipping forward during transfer.

WARNING! Avoid putting all of your weight on the power chair armrests and do not use the armrests for weight bearing purposes, such as transfers. Such use may cause the power chair to tip, resulting in a fall from the power chair and personal injury.

WARNING! The controller and controller bracket are non-load bearing items on your power chair. Do not use the controller or controller bracket for weight bearing purposes, such as transfers. Such use may cause damage to these components, resulting in a fall from the power chair and personal injury.

WARNING! Avoid putting all of your weight on the front riggings. Such use may cause the power chair to tip.

Prescription Drugs/Physical Limitations

Users must exercise care and common sense when operating a power chair. This includes awareness of safety issues when taking prescribed or over-the-counter drugs or when the user has specific physical limitations.

WARNING! Consult your physician if you are taking prescribed or over-the-counter medication or if you have certain physical limitations. Some medications and limitations may impair your ability to operate your power chair in a safe manner.

J6 Series