A Patient uses a wheelchair in times of vain. Transporting a patient in a wheelchair should be done with utmost care and safety. The patients using a wheelchair are usually fragile and uncomfortable. So, it’s the caretaker’s duty to see to the safety and stability of the patients while moving them in a wheelchair or transporting them from a wheelchair to any other spot. For wheelchair ridden patients or elder patients, special transport means like senior ambulance transport service will be used for safe transport.

Safety tips for wheelchair transportation

Preparation

1. Explain the mode of operation of the wheelchair to the patients and make sure they understand them correctly.
2. Make the wheelchair fit for smooth transfer. Draw the armrest and footrest properly and move any other chair parts away in order to prevent tripping off on the event shifting the patient into the wheelchair.
3. Park the wheelchair parallel to the bed, for extra comfort of the patient.
4. Apply the locks on the wheelchair properly before rolling.
5. Be ready with proper ramp and pathways to move the patient into other spots like a car, ambulance, elevator or into a bed.

Preferences

1. The patient should get a personalized care while in the wheelchair.
2. Determine the state of mobility of the patients, whether they can move a little bit or not, if so how flexible they can be.
3. Understand their comfort zone. Place your hands in the ease parts in the time of helping to avoid any discomfort or pain.
4. Walkthrough every step of transportation before rolling.
5. Assure the transport mode of the patients, their necessity between emergency or non-emergency ambulance services and other medical transportation services.

Two-Person technique

1. Two caregivers should see to the patient’s safety while putting them into a wheelchair.
2. One should be in front of the patient and other should stand in the back to successfully lift the patient without any pain or irritation.
3. The patient should wear a suitable transfer belt for the convenience of the caretakers.
4. The caregivers should stand close to the patient to ensure a safety transfer.
5. Push the patient upwards while lifting and ensure their feet is below the body before putting in a wheelchair.

Wheelchair transport techniques

The concern of moving the patients in a wheel chair is as like as transferring them from a wheelchair to any other spot.

Wheelchair to bed

1. Tuck the bed properly before transferring the patient.
2. The caregiver should accompany the patient and should stand close to the bed and the patient.

Wheelchair to car

1. Before anything else, the caregiver should move the footrest to clear the path for the patient to get into a car.
2. Make room inside the car by pushing the seat further for the ease of the patient.
3. Move the patient till edge of the wheelchair to lift them smoothly.

Wheelchair to couch

1. Place the wheelchair close to the couch.
2. Guide the patient to place one hand on the armrest and another hand on the caregiver to get the momentum to rise.
3. Then make the patient hold on to the couch and assist them to sit slowly.

Wheelchair to toilet

It is similar to transferring the patient to a couch. Toilet seats with armrests and holds are good for the comfort and safety of the patient.