Getting in and out of Wheelchair

• • first thing to do is to check that the brakes are on - BRAKES MUST BE ON WHEN GETTING IN AND OUT OF THE WHEELCHAIR
  • check where the belt is, doesnt need to be used, if its not being used it needs to be tucked out of the way, so it doesnt get stuck in the wheel
  • get footplates out of the way - lift the flaps up, release the locking mechanism and swing the plates out to the side
• • the back of the knees should touch the seat of the wheelchair before you sit down
• • once youre in the chair, swing the footplates round to the front and lock it via the locking mechanism
  • put the flap/footrest down
  • pull the heel support back so its comfortable for the heel and doesnt get caught in the back of the chair
• • to get out of the chair, take one foot of the foot plate, lift it up and unlock it, then swing it back
  • do the same with the other leg
  • double check that brakes are on
  • push up on the arms of the wheelchair
• Sizing of wheelchair:

  • should have 2 fingers worth of space between the greater trochanter and the side of the wheelchair on both sides - if greater trochanter is pushing against sides, it increase risk of pressure sores
  • leg rests should be elevated so that the back of the thighs arent completely resting on the seat - if not it also increases risk of pressure sores
  • want around 2 fingers worth of space between popliteal fossa and front of the seat - to minimise rubbing / tissue breakdown of the sin there