MAO Manual

Because diabetes also affects healing and circulation it is important that you use caution when transferring and transporting these patients to make sure you don’t bump their arms, legs, or feet. Always make sure they rest their feet on the foot rests of the wheelchair. In addition, due to their condition, people with diabetes tend to feel cold. Make every effort to keep them warm and comfortable. Orthopedic Conditions As an MAVO you may also provide transport to patients who have orthopedic diagnoses. Some common orthopedic conditions and guidelines to keep in mind during transport are: Knee replacements  Make sure the patient’s leg is elevated.  Use caution when pushing the chair so you don’t bump their leg. Shoulder or arm injuries  Never assist the patient by holding their injured limb.  Be aware of the injured limb when assisting the patient with a coat or sweater. Leg or foot injuries  Always place their feet on the foot rests  Always adjust the leg/foot rests to accommodate the patient’s condition. Cancer You may also transport people who have been diagnosed with a form of cancer. There are many different types of cancer and each one can affect patients differently. If you are taking this patient to or from a treatment keep in mind they may be feeling weak and nauseous. You should always let them move at their own pace and have a basin or convenience bag readily available. Sometimes patients with cancer are in a great deal of pain, or have bones that are frail. Use extra caution when transferring these patients to avoid injury. Use of caution when driving and avoiding bumps and potholes can make for a more comfortable trip for the patient.

Stroke If you transport a patient who has had a stroke they may have slurred speech and/or paralysis. Always let them speak for themselves. Don’t try to finish sentences for them. This can cause the patient to become frustrated. If they have a paralyzed arm or hand, make sure you help them when you transfer them into the wheelchair. Make sure their arms and hands always remain within the arms of the wheelchair to avoid injury. If they have leg or foot paralysis carefully place their leg/foot on the leg/foot rest at an angle that will support the limb during transport. Loss of Muscle Control Some patients may have some loss of muscle control. This means they may have many of the same difficulties the stroke patient has. They may not be able to move some parts of their body, or they may just be very weak in those parts. It’s important to make sure these patients are assisted carefully and that the affected parts are secured in the wheelchair and not allowed to dangle or become injured during the transport. Behavioral Health, Alzheimer’s & Dementia Patients you transport may also suffer from diagnoses that affects their behavior. The most common conditions you will encounter are Alzheimer’s and types of dementia. Keep in mind it is their medical condition that causes them to act the way they do.

No matter how many times they ask you the same question over and over, or forget what you explained to them, simply answer the question again and never put them down or show them you are frustrated. Don’t take their behavior personally even if they say something that hurts your feelings. Focus on your priority of providing a safe trip.