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There are special considerations when using a wheelchair, for both the person pushing the wheelchair and more importantly for the person sitting in it.
If you are pushing a wheelchair, you need to be aware of the ergonomics, make sure that your feet are apart, and that you have a good hold on each handle this helps to make sure that you are using your bigger muscles to push off.
The wheelchair's tyres should be pumped up, although this is not going to be your responsibility, flat or soft tyres will make it harder to push the chair, particularly over surfaces that are not even and particularly in surfaces that are gravelled.
The passenger you are transporting may not be used to travelling in a wheelchair and it will be quite alien to them. If you are going over uneven surfaces communicate with them and tell them that it may be a bit bumpy and suggest that they hold on.
Many chairs have seat belts, some people don't like wearing them but for safety purposes we should always encourage them to wear one while they are being transported in the chair.
Make sure that you are looking ahead, remember that the footrests are going to be clear of any obstructions on the ground, look out for holes, keep looking ahead.
Consider how fast you are going, a person in a chair has no control over how fast you go, so don't go racing off with them. Signs that they are uncomfortable with the speed include white knuckles on the armrests, or you may see their hands drifting by the wheels.
They may be nervous because you are approaching something too fast, you are going downhill or because they can see something that you can't. This is why communication is so important, ask if they are happy with the speed you are going and ask them to let you know if they want you to slow down.
It is important to use the right techniques at kerbs. Firstly always look for a dip in the curb or a dropped-curb, it may be a lot easier to park a little further away to avoid having to push your passenger up or down a big curb.
If they are not available you will need to make sure that you can get the person and the chair up and down the curb safely. You never push a wheelchair down a curb (even if you have a ramp), this could tip the passenger out and could cause injury to you and the individual. Always go backwards down a curb. Big wheels first and then gently down.
When going up a curb it is always legs up and feet first.
The other important thing to remember is the brakes. These should ALWAYS be put on whenever:
If the person in the chair can put the brakes on themselves say to them, "I am just going to let go of the chair, please could you put the brakes on," it is important to encourage and respect their independence whenever possible.
If they can't say "I am just going to put the brakes on for a moment while I let go of the chair." This will help them to feel secure.
Communicating with someone who is sitting in a wheelchair
When you are talking to someone who is seated in a wheelchair and you have some questions or information you need to discuss with them, you should consider squatting down at the front of the chair so that you are at eye-level. Having someone standing over you can be a little intimidating.
