A recent survey of wheelchair users ranked wheelchair comfort as the most important issue for people who use wheelchairs. Just like drivers who pay more for comfort, wheelchair users are now willing to shell out more money for comfort. I understand where wheelchair users come from as they are in the wheelchair most of the day, around 15 hours in fact.
While it is agreed that comfort is a big issue, wheelchair safety is neglected. This article will focus on wheelchair safety issues, maintenance, and things to consider when using a wheelchair.
The top priorities in wheelchair safety are the brakes. Periodically check the brakes, since over time they can loosen, compromising the user’s safety. For example, good brakes are needed when a user transfers to a wheelchair. If the brakes do not work well and the grip on the floor is not good enough, the chair can move and move, causing the user to lose balance and fall!
If the fall causes further injury, or when the user lacks the physical strength to help himself, he is trapped until someone arrives to offer help. Even if you have the ability to get up from the floor to the chair, ineffective brakes are still a problem because it is much more difficult to mount a wheelchair in motion.
Second, stability and balance are important in using a wheelchair safely. To ensure stability and balance, there are a few simple rules to follow:
1. Remember to use the seat positioning strap if available.
2. Do not lean forward out of the wheelchair beyond the length of the armrests, when leaning forward always make sure the wheels are pointing forward to provide more stability.
3. Do not try to pick up objects from the ground by reaching between your knees.
4. Do not shift your weight in the direction you are approaching, as the wheelchair may tip over.
5. Do not lean over the top of the backrest upholstery as it may tip over.
6. Do not try to drive over curbs or obstacles.
7. Do not tilt the wheelchair without assistance.
8. Do not use an escalator to move between floors without assistance.
9. Do not attempt to go up or down a slope that has water, ice, or an oil film on it.
10. Do not cross, go up or down ramps or slopes greater than an angle of 9 degrees.
Third, when assisting a wheelchair user, there are some simple rules to follow:
1. The attendant should always let the wheelchair user know what they are doing and avoid sudden movements.
2. You should always maintain good body posture for your own safety and keep your back straight and your knees slightly bent when tilting your wheelchair or moving over curbs.
3. Tipping a wheelchair without a tilting bar requires two people, one at each end.
Some of the common security issues to be aware of are listed below and are definitely not exhaustive. The wheelchair is intended to allow greater freedom and independence to its user, not to become a tool of greater harm. Always practice wheelchair safety and get the most out of life in a wheelchair!