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Quad Canes
Quad canes allow those with
more serious difficulties to have
a more solid platform upon
which to balance themselves. A
quad cane user is generally less
stable on his feet than a regular
cane user, and as a result
should be closely watched by
you during the tranport.
Braces
Braces provide support to a limb
and allow it to better bear
weight. In some cases, braces
will also perform some specific
function. For example, for a
patient who has had a stroke, a
brace may help him pick up his
toe when he walks so that he
does not trip on it and fall.
White Cane
A white cane is used by a blind
patient. It is not designed to
bear weight, but rather to tap
around the patient’s surrounds
to determine where objects are.
A white cane user will generally
be able to move and walk
somewhat independently, but
should be monitored and lead if
the patient requests it.
Guide Dog / Companion Animal
Some patients may have animals that are
specially trained to provide special
assistance. A common kind of companion
animal is a guide dog used by a blind
patient.
Handling a companion animal such as a dog
is really very simple - do nothing. This
animal is “on the job”. Do not try to tell him
how to do his job. You must allow the animal
to ride with his “boss” and do exactly what
he knows he is supposed to do.
Do not attempt to restrain or play with the
animal. Do not pet the animal. These
actions will take the animal out of working
mode which could be dangerous for your
patient and possibly for you. There is
nothing to fear from these animals as long
as you let them do their job. If you have
any questions during such a transport, ask
your patient what to do.
As an MAVO, you may be travelling to
locations where pets are generally not
permitted such as hospitals and other
healthcare facilites. Companion animals
enjoy an exception from these types of
laws and policies under the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA). As a result,
you can transport a companion animal on
your MAV and take them to various
healthcare facilites without concern.
Crutches
Crutches lessen the weight that the
patient’s legs are bearing, and allow the
patient to transfer some of that weight to
the crutches. Crutches can be permanent
or temporary, depending on the patient’s
situation.