E N G L I S H
4. The use of a back pack or other options, and the amount of added
weight.
To Reduce The Risk Of A Fall Or Tip-Over:
1. Consult your supplier for information on modifications authorized by
Sunrise before you modify or adjust this chair.
NOTE– You may need to make additional changes to correct the center of bal-
ance.
2. Use extreme care until you know the balance points of this chair and
how to avoid a fall or tip-over.
N. TRANSFERS
It is dangerous to transfer on your own. It requires
good balance and agility. Be aware that there is a
point during every transfer when the wheelchair
seat is not below you. To avoid a fall:
1. Always turn off power before you transfer to or from your chair. If
you fail to do so you may touch the joystick and cause your chair to
move when you do not expect it.
2. Make sure motor locks are engaged. This keeps the chair from mov-
ing when you transfer.
3. Work with your health care professional to learn safe methods.
•
Learn how to position your body and how to support yourself
during a transfer.
•
Have someone help you until you are sure you can do a safe
transfer on your own.
4. Move your chair as close as you can to the seat you are transferring
to. If possible, use a transfer board.
5. Rotate the front casters until they are as far forward as possible.
6. Be careful of the foot platform. If you can, remove or flip up out of
the way.
•
Never stand on footrest when you transfer. Doing so may dam-
age it or cause your chair to tip.
7. Make sure armrests do not interfere.
8. Transfer as far back onto the seat surface as you can. This will reduce
the risk that you will miss the seat or fall.
O. REACHING OR LEANING
Reaching or leaning affects the center of balance of
your chair. If done improperly, a fall or tip-over is
likely. When in doubt, ask for help or use a device
to extend your reach.
To Reduce the Risk of injury and/or Damage to the Chair:
1. Never reach or lean if you must shift your weight sideways or rise up
off the seat.
2. Never reach or lean if you must move forward in your seat to do so.
Always keep your buttocks in contact with the backrest.
3. Never reach with both hands (you may not be able to catch yourself
to prevent a fall if you lose your balance).
4. Never try to pick up an object from the floor by reaching down
between your knees.
5. Never put pressure on the foot platform while reaching. This may
cause the chair to tip if you lean too far.
6. Never reach or lean over the top of the seat back. This may damage
the backrest and cause you to fall.
IF YOU MUST REACH OR LEAN, DO SO AT YOUR
OWN RISK.
101266 Rev. B
Remember to:
1. Move your chair as close as you can to the object you wish to reach.
2. Rotate the front casters until they are as far forward as possible. This
makes the chair more stable.
NOTE– To do this: Move your chair past the object you want to reach, then
back up alongside it. Backing up will rotate the casters forward.
3. Turn off all power to your chair. If you fail to do so, you may touch
the joystick and cause your chair to move when you do not expect
it.
4. Firmly grasp an armrest with one hand. This will help to prevent a fall
if the chair tips.
P . DRESSING OR CHANGING CLOTHES
Be aware that your weight will shift if you dress or
change clothes while seated in this chair. To make
the chair more stable, rotate the front casters until
they are forward.
Q. OBSTACLES
Obstacles you may have to overcome in daily use
include door thresholds, lifts, ramps and hazards
such as potholes and broken pavement. These can
damage your chair and may cause a fall, tip-over or
loss of control.
1. Be aware that thresholds are very dangerous. (Even a small change in
height may stop a caster wheel and cause your chair to tip). You may
need to:
•
Remove or cover threshold strips between rooms.
•
Install a ramp at entry or exit doors.
2. Keep your eyes moving when you ride; scan the area well ahead of
your chair.
3. Make sure the floor areas where you use this chair are level and free
of obstacles.
4. To help correct your center of balance:
•
Lean your upper body forward slightly as you go up over an
obstacle.
•
Press your upper body backward as you go down from a higher
to a lower level.
R. DRIVING IN REVERSE
Use extra care when you drive your chair in
reverse. You may lose control or fall if one of the
rear wheels hits an object.
1. Operate your chair slowly and at an even speed.
2. Stop often and check to make sure your path is clear of obstacles.
8