Description
The safe handling of a manual wheelchair Leaflet 002 April 2014
Author: Penny Townsend, MCSP, NBE registered member, in conjunction with the Yorkshire Back Exchange local group
A National Back Exchange publication 2014
Many carers use wheelchairs on a daily basis to assist in moving their clients, but have little training in their use. Knowing how to handle a wheelchair safely is therefore important for reducing the risks of injury to both the carer and the wheelchair user. This leaflet summaries the important information that needs to be considered. In particular it looks at:
- How to open and close a wheelchair
- Getting in and out of a wheelchair
- Pushing a wheelchair on the level, uphill and downhill
- Negotiating steps, kerbs and doorways
- Loading a wheelchair into a vehicle
- How to push a wheelchair from the user’s perspective
This leaflet is straightforward guide to the safe use of a manual wheelchair and will be a valuable resource for carers, both formal and informal, as well as student/junior occupational therapist, physiotherapist and nurses.
Packs contain 20 copies
For further information visit: www.nationalbackexchange.org.uk