If you use a wheelchair, you certainly know how to use it safely.
You’ve met a rehabilitation specialist and have understood the rules.
But it does not hurt to go over them occasionally, and maybe correct
some awful habits you’ve fallen into. Wheelchairs are extremely handy.
But they are also likely to get you into danger, if you don’t maintain
and handle them correctly. Wheelchair users should know the importance
of wheelchair safety, specifically in busy areas like urban centers.
Keeping the device in top shape:
Brakes
Wheelchair brakes must always be in top working condition. Brakes
come in very handy when you have to shift from your wheelchair to a bed
or a vehicle. In such situations, chair brakes should hold steady. If
the chair is wobbly, you can fall and bruise yourself. Brakes are also
needed in areas such as driveways and parking lots where the surface may
not always be flat. On such surfaces, a brake failure can mean rolling
back down with speed, leading to an accident.
Wheels
The wheels of a chair must also be well-maintained. It’s best to test
them regularly to see if they are moving smoothly. Be wary of jams and
stiff wheel locks that can be dangerous. Get the wheels lubricated on
the regular basis. Apart from this, another thing that needs to be
checked is alignment. Push the chair along a straight line to see if it
can continue straight.
Use ramps
It’s not advisable for wheelchair users to tip the machine to get on a
curb. This can result in the wheelchair falling over. In case, there
are no ramps or elevators its best to ask for assistance from an
attendant to ensure complete safety.
Visibility
Wheelchairs tend to reduce your height, so it's not always possible
for people to see you. This is very dangerous on roads, so make sure you
wear fluorescent, bright jackets that are especially handy during the
night. Also, fix a flag at the back of the wheelchair to raise your
profile.
Wheelchair Safety While Riding:
Seat belt
Safety belts are a necessity in every state– and this law applies to
wheelchair users as well. To prevent a disabled person from hitting the
vehicle during crash, it is extremely important to use a seat belt
comprising of a lap and shoulder belt that can fit securely.
Where to sit
The best place for a disabled person to sit is the vehicle’s seat
that is crash designed for optimum protection. If not, it is best to
have a transit-ready, WCl9-compliant wheelchair. Non-WCl9-compliant
chairs are normally not strong enough to survive an impact.
WC19-compliant wheelchairs have been designed for motor-vehicles and
have been tested for crash.
It is also a good idea to use a securement system to safely fix the
wheelchair to keep it absolutely stationary. An automatic lock-down
system connects to the installed bracket on the base of the wheelchair,
permitting independent securement of the wheelchair.
A wheelchair is essentially a replacement for walking. The machine is
available in several different types propelled by seated occupant or
motors. There are often handles behind the seat for the assistant to do
the pushing. These devices are an excellent choice for people who have
been injured or can no longer walk due to illness or disability. For
people who live with disabilities, it is important to remember how to
use a wheelchair correctly to ensure complete safety. By following the
aforementioned tips and also by consulting the experts, one can easily
master the use of this devise and can enjoy the benefits of everlasting
independence that a wheelchair offers.
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