Wheelchair Safety Overview

As people live longer and society ages, there are various reasons that people need wheelchairs. This safe and popular mobility device is designed to provide users with comfort, independence, and the opportunity to live their lives to the fullest. Wheelchair use is usually straightforward, but there are some challenges it helps to be aware of. In addition, there are various wheelchair safety measures you should consider and follow to ensure you get the best use possible from your chair. Experts at our wheelchair transportation service in Orlando offer the following guide for wheelchair safety to help you avoid falls, prevent accidents, and stay safe overall.

Center of gravity

When you first begin using your wheelchair, you need to be aware of your center of gravity. Various activities will require you to transfer in and out of the chair, bend, and reach. Movements like this can change your weight distribution, center of gravity, and balance. When bending, reaching, or leaning forward or sideways, it is essential to use the casters as a tool to maintain balance and stability. Practice transferring in and out of your chair, reaching, and bending in front of someone else to establish and determine your safety limits before active wheelchair use. This practice will help you become more comfortable and prepared for safely using your new chair.

Bending backward

It helps to position your chair as close to an object as possible when you need to reach it by bending backward. First, use casters by extending them away from dive wheels to create a longer wheelbase. Then, reach back as far as your arm can extend without shifting your sitting position. Be careful not to bend your wheelchair backward as you may tilt it too far and fall.

Bending forward

Use care when bending forward. First, remember that you never want to reach for an object if you have to move forward in your seat because it can be hazardous. Instead, you will need to position your casters and extend them away from your drive wheels, then lock your wheels before reaching forward for the item.

Tipping your chair

When attempting to tip a wheelchair, you should use a helper to grasp a non-removable portion of the chair back. Always let the person in the chair know before tipping and have them lean back for more stability. Be sure that the hands and feet of the occupant are clear of any pinch points like wheels.

Moving through curbs

It would be best to never move through curbs without another person's assistance. Therefore, it is essential to develop your own technique best suited to your abilities with the help of a healthcare professional. Stairways, steps, and curbs are dangerous objects for a wheelchair user to encounter. When you confront such obstacles, try to find an alternative route by using ramps, curb cuts, or designated disabled elevators available in most places.

Accident prevention

Falling and tipping are the most common wheelchair user accidents. For example, you can fall from slippery surfaces, unlocked brakes, making your chair go too fast, and more. Therefore, the tipping lever should be secure when you need it, and you should be careful how fast you go around tight corners and rough surfaces to prevent falling and tipping.

Wheelchair user safety tips

Never force your chair up or down inclines, slopes, or staircases.
Always lock your brakes before getting in or out of your chair. In addition, you should shut off the power on power chairs before transfers.
Attach attention-getting items like flags and flashing taillights to your chair so that others can see you easily at night or in the dark.
Replace and service your casters often. For example, if you notice your chair moving side to side when going fast, this is a sign you need to replace them.
Program and adjust your power chair settings to be comfortable with your chair speed.
Do not venture out in wet weather. Your chair may lose traction, and motorized chair controls can get wet and damaged.
Avoid using large bags or other heavy items on the back of your chair. They may cause your chair to tip backward during transfers.

Preventing falls

Never overreach or stretch for an object-your chair might tip over.
Never lean forward-You may fall out of the wheelchair.
Always lock your brakes before trying to move out of your chair.
Avoid positioning or sliding yourself too far forward in your seat.
During the transfer, move footrests out of the way to prevent tripping.

Outdoor use

Many wheelchairs are manufactured and designed for use outdoors. However, you should still always use care and avoid weather conditions or surfaces that may not be wheelchair movement-friendly. In addition, you should do your best to evade sandy surfaces. Even pavement with a little sand spread on it can make your chair unbalanced, spin around, and fall over. This result can occur suddenly, especially with power wheelchairs. To prevent this problem, avoid sandy surfaces by manipulating around them.

Avoid wet surfaces and puddles. Driving through a puddle in a power wheelchair can get the whole chair wet or make it slide, spin, tip, and fall. It would be best to avoid the damp surface altogether by skirting around it. When it is raining, you should always proceed slowly and use caution.

When utilizing outdoor ramps, you should inspect the surface for holes, slippery areas, unevenness, or other obstacles in your path. If you are coming close to a ramp, ask someone to look closer at it to ensure it is safe before you use it.

Wheelchair safety travel tips

Inspect and service your chair before taking a trip.
Remove accessories and leg rests before giving it to staff.
Let your travel company know you use a wheelchair before booking reservations.
Gather any wheelchair travel info, regulations, and rules you will need to follow during your travels.
Keep contact info for a wheelchair shop close to your destination in case of emergency.
Remember that wheelchair users are allowed to board first and depart last on flights, so allow at least two hours between connecting flights.
Do research and book flights with wheelchair-friendly airlines. Budget airlines are usually not wheelchair friendly and sometimes charge wheelchair users extra fees for handling.
Be ready for your chair to be inspected at the security gate. This includes seat cushions and non-removable pouches.
Inform security and customs agents of your limitations during security checks.

This has been an overview of wheelchair safety. Contact us today for more information on our wheelchair transportation service in Orlando. We are here to help you get anywhere you need to go.