Stairways, Transferring to and from Other Seats

SAFETY/HANDLING

S A F E T Y

H A N D L I N G

STAIRWAYS

WARNING

ALWAYSwearyourseatpositioningstrap.Inasmuch astheSEATPOSITIONINGSTRAPisanoptiononthis wheelchair(YoumayorderwithorwithouttheSeat PositioningStrap),Invacarestronglyrecommends orderingtheSeatPositioningStrapasanadditional safeguard for the wheelchair user.

Do not attempt to lift a wheelchair by lifting on 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.

Extreme caution is advised when it is neces- sary to move an occupied wheelchair up or down the stairs. Invacare recommends using two (2) assistants and making thorough prepa- rations. Make sure to use ONLY secure, non- detachable parts for hand-held supports.

TRANSFERRING TO AND FROM OTHER SEATS

WARNING

BEFORE attempting to transfer in or out of the wheelchair, every precaution should be taken to reduce the gap distance. Turn both casters toward the object you are transferring onto. Also be certain the wheel locks are engaged to help prevent the wheels from moving.

CAUTION

When transferring, position yourself as far back as possible in the seat. This will help prevent broken screws, damaged upholstery and the possibility of the wheelchair tipping forward.

NOTE: This activity may be performed independently provided you have adequate mobility and upper body strength.

Follow this procedure for moving the wheelchair be- tween 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 se- curely grasping a non-removable (non-detach- able) part of the wheelchair for leverage.

2.The second assistant, with a firm hold on a non- detachable part of the framework, lifts the wheel- chair up and over the stair and steadies the wheel- chair 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.

Position the wheelchair as close as possible along side the seat to which you are transferring, with the front casters pointing toward it. Engage wheel locks. Shift body weight into seat with transfer.

During independent transfer, little or no seat platform will be beneath you. Use a transfer board if at all possible.

ESCALATORS? SORRY!

DO NOT use an escalator to move a wheel- chair between floors. Serious bodily injury may occur.