Non-emergency Medical Transport Guarantees Safe Wheelchair Ride

Difficulty in handling wheelchairs often forces family members to limit movements of elders. Transportation of disabled elders gets limited to doctor’s appointments only. Such limitations over time can lead to frustration and isolation resulting in a rift between family caregivers and seniors. By adopting some prudent steps, such unpleasant situations can be avoided.

With a plethora of transportation resources available in varied forms, one can explore the domain and pick up the right solution matching needs of family elders. The one effective option which deserves mention in this regard is the wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV). This is one alternative which has literally transformed lifestyles of thousands of disabled persons and elders offering them freedom to enjoy life on their own without depending on caregivers. Available in varied shapes and designs, these vehicles are customized to meet distinct needs of each client. Rather than investing on a new WAV, one can always enjoy such services from reliable non-emergency medical transport providers. However there are certain precautionary measures that need to be adopted while using the wheelchair inside a vehicle, few of which are discussed below.

• Do try to use wheelchairs that come with ‘transit safe’ label as these are manufactured meeting stringent international standards. Thus, the wheelchair ensures enough sturdiness to withstand crashes without causing serious damage to the user. If the wheelchair comes without a ‘transport safe’ tag,  this means that it has not been tested against safety parameters which can prove to be risky for the user.
• Make sure the wheelchair is properly secured to the floor of the car or van; otherwise it might start sliding around the moving car. This is not only dangerous during normal driving but can prove to be more harmful when the car takes a sharp turn or stops suddenly.
• A 4-point strap system is the best way to secure the wheelchair inside a vehicle. Two straps are attached to the front and two in the rear thus giving maximum stability to the wheelchair. This can prevent accidental tilting or twisting during normal driving or collisions. 
• A front facing position is always suggested for the passenger, when inside the wheelchair accessible vehicle. As the passenger restraint system is designed for this position, it makes the rider more stable.
• If any equipment is mounted to the wheelchair like oxygen tank or lap trays, these should be removed while traveling. These apparatuses might come off in a crash situation causing serious injury to the user and other passengers.

As already mentioned, the best way to ensure safest wheelchair transportation is by relying on any renowned non-emergency medical transportation company. Mostly these companies maintain a huge fleet of wheelchair accessible vehicles in topmost condition particularly designed, manufactured and tested to meet the strictest safety regulations. This enables clients to pick up the right option matching specific disability needs. Expert executives of the company offer unbiased suggestions in this regard, helping clients pick up the most economical transport alternative. 

Wheelchair adapted vehicle is a great way to enjoy mobility, overcoming age and disabled conditions. Just be careful in selecting the right service provider to enjoy a safe wheelchair ride!