How to Transport a Patient in a Wheelchair
Even when your patient does not require your assistance to get into a wheelchair, your skill and foreknowledge will ensure smooth, accident-free transportation. If your patient needs assistance getting in and out of the chair, knowing how to properly lift and transfer will protect both of you from accident and injury.Things You'll Need
- Wheelchair
- Lift
Instructions
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Position wheelchair next to the bed or chair of the patient you wish to move. Engage the brakes on both wheels. Lower leg rests to their lowest position, raise and lock both foot rests out of the patient's way.
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2
Explain who you are and what you are doing before attempting to move a person into a wheelchair. Ask him about his condition and ascertain if he can speak and hear well.
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3
Help the patient into the chair. If your patient requires assistance and you have access to a hydraulic lift, use it to help your patient into the chair. If you don't have access to a hydraulic lift, use an approved transfer method, such as a one-person, two-person, cane or walker transfer, to lift the patient into the chair. Get help if the patient weighs more than one-fourth your body weight.
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Fasten the chair's seat belt around the patient. Adjust other restraints and cushions as necessary. Lower the foot rest and adjust the leg rest so the patient's hip and knee are at 90 degree angles. Inquire about the patient's comfort before unlocking the chair's brakes.
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Pull the wheelchair backwards up steps, curbs, door sills and elevator entrances to avoid accidentally ejecting the patient when hitting bumps.Watch for projections that could hit the patient, such as door handles, counter edges and low shelves. Walk at a slower speed than normal to give the patient a sense of security, slowing even more around corners.
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Lock the wheels when you get to your destination. Lower the leg rests and raise the footrests. Unbuckle the patient and assist him out of the chair using proper transfer protocol.
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