Wheelchairs
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Folding and unfolding the wheelchair: To fold, simply lift up under the center edge of the seat upholstery. To unfold, tilt the chair slightly to one side to raise the wheels on the opposite side off the floor. Then press down on one or both seat rails.
Applying the wheel locks: Push forward on the lock tips, (or pull back on the pull to lock type), until the locks snap into the locked position. Do not attempt to enter or exit the wheelchair without having the locks securely engaged.
Folding the footplates up into a vertical position: If the footplates are equipped with heel loops, these must first be pulled forward over the rear of the foot plates. The footplates themselves can then be folded up into the vertical position by lifting up on the inside edges of the footplates.
Releasing and swinging away the front rigging: Whether the wheelchair is equipped with standard footrests or elevating legrests, this procedure permits the user to make much closer approaches for easier, safer transfers to beds, toilets, automobiles, etc. Simply activate the release mechanism and swing the front rigging around to the side of the wheelchair. While in this swing away position, the front rigging can also be removed from the chair entirely, by simply lifting it off. This removal will make lifting the chair or loading into a car much easier for the caregiver.
From the swing away position the front rigging can be returned to the standard position by simply swinging it back to the front of the wheelchair. It will lock automatically in the forward position.
If the front rigging has been removed from the chair, simply replace it in the swing away position, then swing it back to the standard front position when required.
Elevating legrest adjustment: If the wheelchair is equipped with elevating legrests, the legs of the user can be elevated by simply lifting the legrests up to the desired position. To lower them again, support the legrest with one hand while activating the elevation release mechanism with the other, and lower to the desired position.
Footrest length adjustment: The position of the footplate on either standard footrests or elevating legrests is adjustable to fit the user’s leg length. The footplate should be adjusted to support the weight of the user’s foot and lower leg in such a position that permits weight bearing by the thighs. A footrest adjustment that is too long will result in a line of pressure under the thigh, at the front edge of the seat upholstery. An adjustment that is too short will raise the user’s knees and cause excessive weight to be born by the buttocks. Either situation increases the risk of pressure sores. The knees and hips of the user should be at approximately the same level. The lowest edge of the footplate must be at least two inches above the floor to provide safe clearance when negotiating ramps or inclines
This adjustment is made by loosening the adjustment bolt with a wrench, and telescoping the footplate in or out to achieve the desired position, then re-tightening the bolt securely.
Removing and replacing detachable arms: This feature permits lateral or sliding transfers to and from the side of the wheelchair, for those users who are unable to stand briefly to transfer. Release the arm lock on the front receiver socket .and lift the arm from the center to avoid binding. To replace the arm simply reverse the procedure. Attention to the location of the rear receiver socket will make replacing the arm easier.
Wheelchairs equipped with desk length detachable arms permit closer approaches to tables or desks. If it is occasionally desirable to have arm support farther forward on these models, this is easily accomplished by swapping sides and reversing the desk length arms.
Please Note: Reversing the arms without swapping sides will narrow the distance between the arms and could result in an accident. Wheelchairs with wrap-around or spacer-saver style arms can not be reversed.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER
>>> The user or caregiver should perform basic safety checks on the wheelchair at frequent intervals.
1. Check hand grips and the rubber tips on the tipping levers to ensure that they are tight and secure.
2. Check the locks for proper adjustment to confirm that they lock the large wheels securely when engaged.
3. Look over all nuts, bolts, and attaching hardware for proper tightness.
4. If the wheelchair is equipped with pneumatic tires, check for proper tire pressure.
5. Check for proper footrest length adjustment.
6. If any unsafe conditions are found please discontinue use of the wheelchair and call our office immediately.
Remember to engage the wheelchair lock before transferring to or from the chair.
Do not lean forward in the wheelchair unless both feet are flat on the floor. This is particularly important for users with heavy leg casts using elevating legrests.
Warranty:
If you have purchased the wheelchair your warranty is for one year beginning with the date of original set-up. If you are renting the wheelchair your warranty is for the length of the rental.