Sunrise Medical Quickie Wheelchair ST/DT - Manual (Page 7)

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A. CENTER OF BALANCE
The point where this chair will tip forward, back, or to the side depends on
its center of balance and stability. How your chair is set up, the options you
select and the changes you make, may affect the risk of a fall or tip-over.
1. The Most Important Adjustments Are:
a. The position of the rear axles. The more you move the axles forward, the
more likely your chair will tip over backward.
b. The position of the front casters. Moving the casters back (or "reversing"
them) will increase the risk of tipping forward.
2. The Center Of Balance Is Also Affected By:
a. A change in the set-up of your chair, including:
• The distance between the rear wheels.
• The amount of rear wheel camber.
• The seat height and seat angle.
b. A change in your body position, posture or weight distribution.
c. Riding your chair on a ramp or slope.
d. The use of a back pack or other options, and the amount of added weight.
3. To Reduce The Risk Of An Accident:
a. Consult your doctor, nurse or therapist to find out what axle and caster
position is best for you.
b. Consult your authorized Quickie supplier BEFORE you modify or adjust
this chair. Be aware that you may need to make other changes to correct
the center of balance.
c. Have someone help you until you know the balance points of your chair
and how to avoid a tip-over.
d. Use anti-tip tubes.
B. DRESSING OR CHANGING CLOTHES
Your weight may shift if you dress or change clothes while seated in this chair.
To reduce the risk of a fall or tip-over:
1. Rotate the front casters until they are as far forward as possible. This
makes the chair more stable. (See p. 27)
2. Lock anti-tip tubes in place. (If your chair does not have anti-tip tubes,
back it up against a wall and lock both rear wheels.)
V I . W A R N I N G S : F A L L S & T I P - O V E R S
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Heed all warnings in this section. If you fail to do so a fall, tip-over or loss
of control may occur and cause severe injury to the rider or others.
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C. WHEELIES
Doing a "wheelie" means: balancing on the rear wheels of your chair, while the
front casters are in the air. It is dangerous to do a "wheelie" as a fall or tip-
over may occur. However, if you do it safely, a "wheelie" can help you over-
come curbs and obstacles.
1. Consult your doctor, nurse or therapist to find out if you are a good candi-
date to learn to do a "wheelie."
2. Do not attempt a "wheelie" UNLESS you are a skilled rider of this chair, or
you have help.
Note: See p. 19 for steps to learn to do a "wheelie."
D. OBSTACLES
Obstacles and road hazards (such as potholes and broken pavement) can damage
your chair and may cause a fall, tip-over or loss of control. To avoid these risks:
1. Keep a lookout for danger — scan the area well ahead of your chair as
you ride.
2. Make sure the floor areas where you live and work are level and free of
obstacles.
3. Remove or cover threshold strips between rooms.
4. Install a ramp at entry or exit doors. Make sure there is not a drop off
at the bottom of the ramp. (See p. 12)
5. To Help Correct Your Center Of Balance:
a. Lean your upper body FORWARD slightly as you go UP over an
obstacle.
b. Press your upper body BACKWARD as you go DOWN from a higher
to a lower level.
6. If your chair has anti-tip tubes, lock them in place before you go UP over
an obstacle.
7. Keep both of your hands on the handrims as you go over an obstacle.
8. Never push or pull on an object (such as furniture or a doorjamb) to
propel your chair.
E. REACHING OR LEANING
If you reach or lean it will affect the center of balance of your chair. This may
cause you to fall or tip over. When in doubt, ask for help or use a device to
extend your reach.
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.
V I . W A R N I N G S : F A L L S & T I P - O V E R S
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