Invacare PATRIOT Owners Manual - Page 15

SECTION 2-SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS Apply a continuous downward motion until the balance point is achieved and the front casters clear the curb. At this point, the assistant will feel a difference in the weight distribution. Roll the wheelchair forward and slowly lower the wheelchair in one continuous movement onto the sidewalk. ƽ WARNING DO NOT let the wheelchair drop the last few inches to the ground. This could result in injury to the occupant. Push the wheelchair forward until the rear wheels roll up and over the curb. FIGURE 2.1 - METHOD 1 - WHEELCHAIR WITH STEP TUBES METHOD 2 - WHEELCHAIR WITHOUT STEP TUBES NOTE: For this procedure, refer to FIGURE 2.2. Unless the first assistant has exceptional upper body strength, it is recommended that METHOD 2 use two assistants. The second assistant should be positioned at the front of the wheelchair lifting upward on the removable (non‐ detachable) part of the wheelchair frame when lifting the wheelchair and stabilizing the wheelchair when the wheelchair is being lowered to the ground. The first assistant should stand on the sidewalk and turn the wheelchair so that the rear wheels are against the curb. The wheelchair should be tilted back to the balance point and, in one continuous downward movement, the rear wheels should be pulled up and over the curb. DO NOT return the front casters to the ground until the wheelchair has been pulled backward far enough for the front casters to clear the edge of the curb. FIGURE 2.2 - METHOD 2 WHEELCHAIR WITHOUT STEP TUBES Part No 1088909 15 Patriot™