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transportation. On the other hand, patients
with mild mental disabilities may have
episodes of combativeness.
It’s important to realize that intelligence and
understanding are not always diminished by
handicaps. In other words, the patient may
not be able to communicate, but may be able
to understand what you say and what is going
on around him or her.
Examples of mental disabilities
-
Down’s Syndrome
-
Alzheimer’s Disease
-
Stroke
Sensory Disabilities
Patients with sensory disabilities have some
inability to interact with their surroundings
because of their deficit. They may not be able
to see, hear, or speak. In some cases,
especially if the sensory problem is his/her
only disability, these patients may be very
independent and need only minimal
assistance. In some cases, only alternate
communication is required. More verbal
communication for blind patients, better
positioning of your body when you speak to a
deaf patient so they can read your lips, etc.
Examples of sensory disabilities
-
Blind
-
Deaf
-
Mute
Length of Disability
Disabilities can be permanent or temporary,
based on patient age, the type and length of
injury. For example, a patient with a broken
hip may find him or herself unable to bear
weight to walk for a few weeks, while
someone with a stroke may be unable to
move his or her left side permanently. Both
these patients will behave differently and pose
their own challenges during the transport. A
wise MAVO will be aware of how a patient’s
disability may affect how their behave during
transportation so that he or she can better
manage the transport.
Permanent Disabilities
Patients with permanent disabilities are often
knowledgeable about their conditions due to
the fact that they have been living with it for so
long. These patients, when sound of mind,
are often ‘experts’ on their own disability, and
may be helpful resources during a transport.
They may be able to suggest good ways of
lifting them, what the best door to use to get in
or out of their house is, or provide some other
helpful advice for the trip.
Temporary Disabilities
Patients with temporary disabilities may have
little experience with their conditions. They
may be frustrated with their temporary lack of
mobility and be prone to taking risks because
of it. They may also lack expertise in using
assistive devices, or be tempted to not use
them when they should. These patterns can
cause an increase in the chance of injury.
MAVO’s must use good judgement and close
supervision to insure that the patient is not
harmed during the trip.
Assistive Devices
Patients who have disabilities of various types
may have assitive devices to help them
through their day-to-day activities. You will
need to be familiar with these assistive
devices so that you can effectively assist
patients during transports.
Canes
Canes are designed to provide
support to the paitent. Most
patients with canes use them
as a “third leg” to improve
balance. Others might use a
cane to lessen the weight he
or she is bearing on that side.
A patient will use the cane on
their weaker side – you should
position yourself on the side
with the cane so that you can
prevent a fall if the patient
begins to falter.