How to Transfer From a Wheelchair to the Captain's Chair in a Van

More than 100,000 emergency room visits in the U.S. in 2003 were related to wheelchair injuries, according to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. Transferring from your wheelchair into a vehicle is a difficult task, and you must do it safely to prevent injury. A wheelchair-to-van transfer is particularly challenging because the van seat sits significantly higher than your wheelchair seat. Have a family member or friend stand close-by until you are able to accomplish the transfer safely and independently.

Instructions

Independent Transfer Technique

• 1

  Open the passenger's side door and wheel your wheelchair as close as possible to the vehicle with the left side of your chair toward the car. Lock your chair brakes and make sure the chair is stable before attempting a transfer. Remove the leg rests from your chair. Move the captain's chair as far back as it will go and raise the right-side arm rest so it is out of the way.

• 2

  Scoot forward in your wheelchair, push up from the arms of the wheelchair and lean forward to provide momentum to assist you in standing up. Reach up and grab onto the door frame of the car or a grab handle, if available, to support yourself in a standing position.

• 3

  Turn your body so that your backside is toward the car. Bend the knee of your stronger leg and place your heel on the edge of the door frame. Hold the door frame or grab handle with your left hand and place your right hand behind you on the seat of the captain's chair. Push down through your heel and right arm to raise your backside onto the captain's chair while stabilizing yourself with your left hand.

• 4

  Use both hands to push down on the captain's chair seat and scoot yourself fully into the proper position. Turn your body into a forward-facing position and bring your legs in front of you.

Transfer With Assistance

• 5

  Use the help of another person if you need assistance with your wheelchair-to-van transfer. Place a gait or transfer belt securely around your waist. Instruct your helper to grasp the belt behind your back.

• 6

  Count to three to coordinate your efforts when you move into a standing position. Your helper will give you a boost, using the gait belt for leverage. Have your helper stand by or continue to hold the gait belt (at your side or in front) to assist you in maintaining your balance as you complete the transfer.

• 7

  Have your helper assist you with lifting your legs into the car, if you are unable to do this independently.