Dealing with wheelchairs

1. Dealing with wheelchairs

2. Some basics: • There are so many different wheelchairs • Talk with Parents and Physical Therapists • Remembering the basics will prove very beneficial • Know your vehicles

3. More importantly; know your passengers

4. Tips for Lift Use • Load and unload on a flat surface • Load and unload in a safe spot • i.e. not into traffic • i.e. not where someone could get hurt outside the vehicle • Secure the bus completely: • Set the parking brake • Turn off the vehicle (if possible)

5. On the lift • Check the passenger’s restraint system before putting them on the lift • Position the passenger and the chair close to the bus and facing out • Fasten the safety belt if so equipped

7. On the lift • Make sure the passenger’s hands are on their laps • The Driver or the Assistant should have their hand on the wheelchair at all times when the passenger is on the lift • The chair’s brakes must be set

8. When operating the lift: • Know the weight limitations • Stand to the side • Do not stand under it; watch your toes • Make sure the safety lip is in the correct position; raised when going up and down • Secure the door so it does not close on you or the passenger

11. When operating the lift: • Watch the head clearance • Do not ride the lift with the passenger • Remember to close the door before moving the vehicle

12. Securing the passenger and chair • Review the manufacturer’s material on the securement devices; they usually have free instructional videos • Also obtain any information you can about the wheelchair • Review the equipment in the vehicle

14. Put all the information: • One part wheelchair • One part securement devices • One part the vehicle and • Three parts the passenger • Read and come up with the best plan • Post it in the vehicle

15. Securing the wheelchair • Attach the straps to points on the main frame; preferably near a welded spot • Never attach to a removable part, parts the fold, or to the wheel • Some newer chairs have rings to attach straps to

16. Securing the wheelchair • You can mark the correct points with colored tape • Rear straps should be at a 30 to 45 degree angle • Front straps should be at a 40 to 60 degree angle • Use the lap shoulder straps

17. Angles:

18. A few other tips: • Lap trays should be removed during the ride if possible • Turn off the power with electric chairs • With passengers over 275 pounds, two additional rear straps should be used • Do a “shake test” after securing the chair

19. “Shake test” Without the brakes set, shake the wheelchair to make sure it does not move on the floor. You want to make sure you secured everything properly.

20. Emergency information: • Strap cutters • Evacuation plan • Emergency exits • Fire extinguishers • First aid and body fluid kits • Triangles • Emergency contacts and special concerns for each passenger • Fire blankets

21. What if the lift does not work?

22. Resources • www.dps.state.mn.us • www.ptsi.org • State Special Needs Committee: • Meets once a month to deal with transportation of special needs students • Current Chairperson is Lori Jonason with Minnetonka Schools: ljonason@minnetonka.k12.mn.us runningfreenow@yahoo.com (Sherry’s email)