Support User Manuals

Invacare Atlas Mobility Aid User Manual

Open as PDF

of 32

SECTION 2—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS

Atlas™ 14 Part No. 1130169

Coping With Everyday Obstacles

Copingwiththeirritationofeverydayobstaclescanbealleviatedsomewhatbylearning

howtomanageyourwheelchair.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,remembertousegoodbody

mechanics.Keepyourbackstraightandbendyourkneeswhenevertippingthe

wheelchairortraversingcurbs,orotherimpediments.

DONOTattempttoliftthewheelchairbyanyremovable(detachable)parts.Liftingby

meansofanyremovable(detachable)partsofthewheelchairmayresultininjurytothe

userordamagetothewheelchair.

ALWAYScheckhandgripsforloosenessbeforeusingthewheelchair.Iflooseand/or

worn,replaceimmediately.

Whenlearninganewassistancetechnique,haveanexperiencedassistanthelpyoubefore

attemptingitalone.

Tipping

ƽ WARNING

DO NOT tip the wheelchair without assistance.

Whentippingthewheelchair,anassistantshouldgraspthebackofthewheelchairona

non‐removable(non‐detachable)part.Informthewheelchairoccupantbeforetippingthe

wheelchairandremindhim/hertoleanback.Besuretheoccupant’sfeetandhandsare

clearofallwheelsand/orpinchpoints.

Aftermasteringthetechniquesoftippingthewheelchair,usethefollowingmethodto

tacklecurbs,shortstairs,etc.

Tipping - Curbs

NOTE:Forthisprocedure,refertoFIGURE 2.3.

Placefootonthesteptubeandbegintotiltthewheelchairtowardyou.Applya

continuousdownwardmotionuntilthebalancepointisachievedandthefrontcasters

clearthecurb.Atthispoint,theassistantwillfeeladifferenceintheweight

distribution.

previous next