MAO Manual

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.

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.

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.

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.