21 / 80
Electric Wheelchairs
Electric wheelchairs
are also acceptable
for transport. You will find that most people
who have electric wheelchairs use them to
maintain their
independence
and
frequently want to maneuver their
wheelchairs into the MAV. You may allow
patients to drive themselves onto or off of
the lift under your direction
only when the
lift is on the ground
. But remember: you
must
switch the motor off when the patient
is riding the lift or in the van for transport.
The shutoff switch or clutch can usually be
found by the motor, but you should always
ask before heading outside to your MAV.
Always make sure you know the
equipment before leaving. Once you are in
a moving vehicle it’s too late. The electric
wheelchair is also very heavy, watch your
toes! If your patient is unable to move on
or off the lift, you can push the electric
wheelchair like any other if it is in neutral.
An electric wheelchair suitable for
transport will have the same basic design
as the standard wheelchair with the
addition of a motor and a device for
steering. The steering mechanism will
depend on the physical capabilities of the
patient. It very often looks like a joystick
from a video game.
Gerichairs
Geri-chairs
are commonly seen in the long
term care setting. The geri-chair is a
reclining chair with four tiny wheels. It is
meant for the indoor setting and should
never be used to transport a patient, or as a
seated position inside an MAV. If you find
your patient in a geri-chair, transfer the
patient into your standard wheelchair before
leaving the building. The geri-chair may or
may not have the tray on it as in the
illustration. You will have to remove the tray
and sit the chair upright before moving the
patient. Ask for help from facility staff if you
need it.
Gerichair
Diabetes
A condition that may require frequent
transportation to and from doctor’s offices
is diabetes. This disease affects the body’s
ability to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Diabetes can lead to:
Peripheral vascular disease
Change in mental status
Vision loss
Kidney disease
Infections
Neuropathy
Diagnosis-Based Cases
There are a number of common medical
conditions that MAVO’s will see frequently.
This section will discuss some of those
conditions and the concerns associated
with those patients.