MAO Manual

then load and secure the scooter into the rear position of the van. If the scooter cannot be secured using four point tie-downs, do not take the scooter with you in the MAV since it will not be crashworthy. When you get to your destination, unload both the scooter and your patient, transfer your patient back to their scooter and allow them to be on their way. The point is, it is possible for the scooter to be four-point secured but it is not safe for the patient to be on it during transport. Wheelchairs There are many types of wheelchairs. The MAVO will come across the standard wheelchai r most often as it is the most common. The standard wheelchair has two large wheels at the back with hand rims and two smaller caster wheels in front. There will be brakes on both sides, foot plates, leg rests, arm rests, crossbar, tilt bars, backrest, handles and, of course, a seat. There are also some variations to the standard wheelchair that are still acceptable for transport, such as leg rests that elevate or that are removable, removable arm rests, and the absence of hand rims.

Walkers Walkers provide patients with major balance disturbances with a platform that they can place down, walk towards, and replace in another position to repeat the process. A patient with a walker should be expected to move slowly, and be very unsteady on his or her feet.

Electric Scooters These devices are gaining popularity, especially with people who live independently. It provides them a way to get around with little to no assistance from family or friends or the MAVO. Most patients who have their own scooters can be very partial to them. Patients may want to be transported in the electric scooter to their destination.

The electric scooter should never be used for transportation. It is not designed for MAV use. The scooter is top heavy and is not structurally sound enough to be used as a seat in the vehicle. You must transfer your patient into your standard wheelchair, load him/her into the front position of your van

Box 3-1: WHEELCHAIRS Wheelchairs are the most common form of mobility device an MAO will see in practice. Become familiar with wheelchairs before starting to work as an MAVO.