MAO Manual

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.

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.

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.