Wheelchair Operation
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Video Description:This video will help you learn the basics of safe and considerate wheelchair operation.
Transcript:When assisting someone in a wheelchair, there are some basic safety measures you should know about! There are 1.6 million Americans who have difficulty walking and need to use a wheelchair to get around. A wheelchair has small front wheels called casters, and big back wheels. It also has a handle, brake, and tipping bar, as well as armrests, a footrest, and a handbrake for use by the person in the chair. If you are operating a wheelchair, remember that the safety of the person in the chair is your TOP priority. Always use both hands when pushing and don’t get distracted. When a person is getting into or out of a wheelchair, be sure that the brake is activated. Forgetting to do so can cause a serious injury. You should also put on the brake at temporary stops, like crosswalks. This is because many seemingly flat surfaces are actually sloped. Even a slight slant is enough to allow an unattended wheelchair to roll away. When you are ready to push the wheelchair again, be sure that the person’s feet are on the footrest. Failure to do this can result in feet getting stuck under the chair, leading to a sprained ankle or broken leg. Ensure that a person in a wheelchair removes his feet from the footrest when getting up, to avoid the chair tipping over and a possible fall. One of the more challenging parts of operating a wheelchair is maneuvering down steps when an elevator is not available. The easiest and safest way is to go down backwards. Do this by facing the wheelchair away from the curb and letting the rear wheels roll down over the edge. If you need support, press a hip against the chair’s back. Then, use the tipping bar to gently lower the front wheels to the ground. When you need to push a wheelchair up a step, put your foot on the tipping bar and ease the small wheels onto the step. Once they are resting safely, follow with the rear wheels. When you encounter obstacles, make sure that the person in the wheelchair holds on to the armrests, or is buckled into the safety belt. Explain what is happening and assure him that you are being careful. There may come a time when you will need to assist someone in getting out of a wheelchair. Standing with one leg between her legs and one planted behind you, wrap your arms around her pelvis with both hands. Ask her to put her arms around your neck as you lift, and then help her stand. If you need to help someone get into a wheelchair, use this same lifting method and place her gently in the seat. Then, help her move back completely, putting her feet on the footrest. Operating a wheelchair is a big responsibility and should be undertaken with care. Remember that the person in the chair is, in fact, a person, and know how much your consideration is appreciated!
Category:Senior Health/Caregiving: Elderly & Disabled
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