Sunrise Medical Ruby - Manual (Page 12)

To Reduce The Risk Of A Fall Or Tip-Over:
1. Consult your supplier for information on modifications authorized by Sunrise before
you modify or adjust this chair/scooter.
NOTE– You may need to make additional changes to correct the center of balance.
2. Use extreme care until you know the balance points of this chair/scooter and how to
avoid a fall or tip-over.
N. TRANSFERS
It is dangerous to transfer on your own. It requires good balance and agility. Be
aware that there is a point during every transfer when the wheelchair/scooter
seat is not below you. To avoid a fall:
1. Always turn off power before you transfer to or from your chair/scooter. If you fail to
do so you may touch the joystick/control pod and cause your chair/scooter to move
when you do not expect it.
2. Make sure motor locks are engaged. This keeps the chair/scooter from moving when
you transfer.
3. Work with your health care professional to learn safe methods.
• Learn how to position your body and how to support yourself during a transfer.
• Have someone help you until you are sure you can do a safe transfer on your own.
4. Move your chair/scooter as close as you can to the seat you are transferring to.
If possible, use a transfer board.
5. Rotate the front casters/wheels until they are as far forward as possible.
6. (Ruby/Ruby 11 only) Be careful of the foot platform. If you can, remove or swing it
out of the way.
• Never stand on footrests when you transfer. Doing so may damage them or cause
your chair/scooter to tip.
• Make sure your feet do not “hang up” or get caught in the space between the
footrests.
7. Make sure armrests do not interfere.
8. Transfer as far back onto the seat surface as you can. This will reduce the risk
that you will miss the seat or fall.
O. REACHING OR LEANING
Reaching or leaning affects the center of balance of your chair/scooter. If done
improperly, a fall or tip-over is likely. When in doubt, ask for help or use a device
to extend your reach.
To Reduce the Risk of Injury and/or Damage to the Chair/Scooter:
1. Never reach or lean if you must shift your weight sideways or rise up off the seat.
2. Never reach or lean if you must move forward in your seat to do so. Always keep your
buttocks in contact with the backrest.
3. Never reach with both hands (you may not be able to catch yourself to prevent a fall
if you lose your balance).
4. Never try to pick up an object from the floor by reaching down between your knees.
5. Never put pressure on the foot platform while reaching. This may cause the
chair/scooter to tip if you lean too far.
6. Never reach or lean over the top of the seat back. This may damage the backrest and
cause you to fall.
IF YOU MUST REACH OR LEAN, DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Remember to:
1. Move your chair/scooter as close as you can to the object you wish to reach.
2. Rotate the front casters until they are as far forward as possible. This makes the
chair/scooter more stable.
NOTE– To do this: Move your chair/scooter past the object you want to reach, then back up alongside
it. Backing up will rotate the casters forward.
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E n g l i s h V I . G e n e r a l W a r n i n g s