When it comes to transporting ambulatory loved ones, it’s important to learn how to correctly and safely perform a wheelchair car transfer. So, do you know the proper steps for a safe transfer? Take a look:
Wheelchair Transfer to Car
Step 1: Position person near vehicle door
Step 2: Lock brakes
Step 3: Remove legs from footrests
Step 4: Move footrests away, and remove
Step 5: Lift person out of chair
Step 6: Take small steps back to the door
Step 7: Lower the person into the seat
Step 8: Pivot patient legs and back toward the front using one arm around their back and one under their knees
Step 9: Assist with seatbelt, and ensure arms and legs are inside
Wheelchair Transfer From Car
Step 1: Position wheelchair, and lock brakes
Step 2: Assist with seatbelt
Step 3: Place one arm behind their back and one under their knees, and pivot toward door
Step 4: Lift them out of the seat with arms wrapped around their upper body
Step 5: Take small steps to the wheelchair
Step 6: Lower them into the wheelchair
Step 7: Reattach the footrests
Step 8: Position feet on the footrests
Step 9: Disengage brakes
For those loading in and out of vehicles that aren’t close to the ground, the BodyHealt Portable Folding Riser Step Stool is an invaluable tool. It’s foldable, portable, safe, and sturdy making it perfect for helping loved ones who have limited mobility load in and out of ground transportation vehicles. With that said, the easiest way to transport a wheelchair user is to use wheelchair accessible vehicles.