Wheelchair Seat Belt, Restraints and Positioning Strap

It is important to note that the final selection of a wheelchair type is the responsibility of the user coupled with recommendation from the individual's healthcare professional, safety must be considered when making this decision, the ulitmate goal is to aquire a wheelchair that keep you safe. How you use a wheelchair will also contribute to your safety..

Wheelchair Tie-down Restraints AND Seat restraints Tips

 
In researching the issue of automobile transportation of wheelchair users safety here is what we found from one of the manufacturers, Invacare "Wheelchair users should n

 ot be transported in vehicles of any kind

 while inwheelchair

 s. As of thi

 s date, the Department of

 
Transportation has not approved any tie-down systems for

 transportation of a user while in a wheelchair, in a moving vehicle of any type.It is Invacare’s position that users of wheelchairs should betransferred into appropriate seating in vehicles for transportation and use be made of the restraints made available by the auto industry. Invacare cannot and does not recommend any wheelchair transportation systems".

Seat Positioning Strap / Belt Tips.
Your wheelchair strap or belt must always be worn, even though it is only an option on most wheelchairs (you may  order one online if you don't have or from your local dealer)

While is it highly recommended that you use a seat belt / Strap, it is to be used as a positioning strap or belt only. It should not be used as automobile, train or aircraft safety belt as it is not designed to withstand high stress loads, it must be replaced immediately there is a sign of wear.

Because of the possibility of serious injury as a result of a fall from a wheelchair  you must talk with  your wheelchair dealer, therapists, physician  and other healthcare providers.to determine if a restraint or seat belt is needed for you or your loved ones, remember your safety come first.

Wheelchair safety tips ; How to safely Transfer From Wheelchair and Stairs

Tips on Transferring To and From Other Seats
 WARNING
Before attempting to transfer in or out of the wheelchair, every precaution should be taken to reduce the gap distance. Turn both casters parallel to the object you are transferring onto. Also be certain the wheel locks are engaged to help prevent the
wheels from moving.

CAUTION

To avoid a situation where the wheelchair will be damaged or tip forward thereby causing injury or death, make sure you as far back from the wheelchair as possible.

NOTE: If you enough mobility and that your upper body is strong, you can independently transfer  yourself (follow the manufacturers instruction) .
Position the wheelchair as close as possible along side the seat to which you are transferring, with the front casters
pointing parallel to it. Remove or flip up the armrest. Engage wheel locks. Shift body weight into seat with transfer.

Transferring To and From Other Seats
During independent transfer, little or no seat platform will be beneath you. Use a transfer board if at all possible.

Stairways   WARNING
DO NOT move a wheelchair with patients in it between floors using a stairway, it is extremely dangerous, always use an elevator whenever available, if no elevator is available then make sure the patient is not
in the wheelchair, the patient and the wheelchair must be transported independently.

Whenever you have to move a wheelchair on the stairs (don't forget it must not be occupied) , most wheelchair manufacturers recommend at least 2 people must must be involved in the move. Survey the stairs and plan on a strategy to make the move smooth and safe. Hold only parts of the wheelchair that can not be detached to carry the wheelchair, do not hold any removable part, as it may come off and damage the wheelchair, cause serious injury or death.

NOTE:  Follow this procedure for moving the wheelchair between floors when an elevator is not available:

Make sure the wheelchair does not have any occupant, after that follow the procedure below

Bend down by bending your knee and making sure your back is in a straight position.
Hold onto non-removable part of the wheelchair to lift it completely off the ground and move the wheelchair on the stairs as required.
Lower the wheelchair after you have passed the last stair and the wheelchair is far away from any stair, slowly lower the chair just as it was lifed.

Escalators  WARNING
DO NOT use an escalator to move a wheelchair between floors. Serious bodily injury may occur.