Coping with everyday obstacles – Invacare Wheelchair Pronto M61 User Manual

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SECTION 3—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS

Coping With Everyday Obstacles

ƽ WARNING

DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you have to move forward in the seat or pick

them up from the floor by reaching down between your knees.
Proper positioning is essential for your safety. When reaching, leaning, bending or

bending forward, it is important to use the casters as a tool to maintain stability and

balance.
Many activities require the wheelchair user to reach, bend and transfer in and out of

the wheelchair. These movements will cause a change to the normal balance, cen-

ter of gravity, and weight distribution of the wheelchair. To determine and establish

your particular safety limits, practice bending, reaching and transferring activities in

several combinations in the presence of a qualified healthcare professional before

attempting active use of the wheelchair.

NOTE: For this information, refer to FIGURE 3.1.

Coping with the irritation of everyday obstacles can be alleviated somewhat by learning
how to manage your wheelchair. Keep in mind your center of gravity to maintain stability
and balance.

While the walking beam allows to traverse up to a 2‐inch bump or threshold, stopping
after the wheels cross the bump poses a problem. The chair cannot reverse over the bump
at this point. Continue forward and then turn around.

While the wheelchair is designed for use
primarily in and around the home, the
provider should determine whether this
chair is suitable for the actual environment
the chair will be used in.

DO NOT go down ramp at full speed.
Some seat/back positions will cause
wheelchair to feel unstable.

FIGURE 3.1 Coping With Everyday

Obstacles

CAUTION

Be aware of condition of ramp. Traction will be diminished/nonexistent on a
slippery surface. Proceed with caution.

2-inch Bump

or Threshold