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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.