How to Get Someone Downstairs in a Wheelchair

Helping a wheelchair-bound individual down a flight of stairs can be very dangerous if not done properly. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, an estimated 3.3% of wheelchair users in the United States have suffered a serious wheelchair-related accident. A large majority of the accidents were caused by environmental factors, such as traveling up and down a flight of stairs. Consider involving another person in your task to get someone safely downstairs in a wheelchair.

Things You'll Need

• Another person

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Roll the wheelchair to the top stair and get a good grip on the handlebars.

• 2

  Direct the other person to the front of the wheelchair and request the or she get a good grip on the front frame of the wheelchair, preferably above the wheels. According to the Ohio State University Medical Center, the person at the foot of the wheelchair should have one foot on the second step and one foot on the third step in preparation for moving down the stairs.

• 3

  Tip the wheelchair back until you both agree on the correct balancing point. According to the Ohio State University Medical Center, this point is where only the back wheels are on the ground and the wheelchair is easy to hold.

• 4

  Cautiously roll the wheelchair down each step. According to Serve Montana, the person facing the individual in the wheelchair should be descending down the stairs backwards. Be sure to take a few breaks if necessary.