There are thousands of people in the world who are unable to walk on their feet. They use wheelchairs for their day-to-day activities. When it comes to transportation, safety is the primary concern. Wheelchairs are not designed to withstand the forces of sudden stops or collisions. That’s why they need support while in a traveling vehicle. In these situations, wheelchair restraints are of great help. These systems anchor the wheelchair to the vehicle’s floor, which prevents dangerous movement during transit. However, improper use of wheelchair restraints can lead to injuries, which makes it essential to use them properly.
Here is a guide on how to properly use wheelchair restraints for safe transportation.
1. Understand the Types of Wheelchair Restraints
Before using wheelchair restraints, it’s essential to understand their types. This step is essential for having the right system. Some wheelchair restraints are manual and use adjustable straps with J-hooks that attach to floor anchors, which are ideal for caregivers assisting with securement. On the other hand, some are retractable restraints, like those with self-tightening straps. These types of restraints are beneficial for individual wheelchair users. For drivers, there is also a docking system that provides a streamlined way to attach wheelchairs inside the vehicle. In this system, a locking bolt on the wheelchair clicks into a floor-mounted base, which eliminates straps entirely.
2. Position the Wheelchair Correctly in the Vehicle
Safety during transportation highly depends on the position of the wheelchair in the vehicle. If the wheelchair is not properly positioned, there might be higher risks of injury during sudden stops. That’s why the wheelchair should always face forward, which means it should be aligned with the vehicle’s direction of travel. This position of the wheelchair minimizes the risk of injuries if the vehicle stops suddenly or crashes. Besides this, you should make sure that the wheelchair is centered in the designated securement area. This allows a huge space for attaching the wheelchair restraints without obstruction.
3. Secure the Wheelchair Using a Four-Point Tie-Down System
A four-point tie-down system is the standard method for securing wheelchairs in vehicles. This system involves attaching four straps to the wheelchair at designated securement points and anchoring them to the vehicle floor. If the wheelchair is electric-powered, then it must be turned off, and the brakes must be locked properly. You should attach the front straps at a 40-60 degree angle and the rear straps at a 30-45 degree angle, which ensures they are not twisted and are tightened securely to prevent any movement. Moreover, avoid attaching restraints to removable parts like footrests, as they can cause injuries during any collision or brakes.
4. Combine Restraints with Occupant Seat Belts
Wheelchair restraints are mostly used to secure the chair, but there is also a need to keep the wheelchair user safe during transportation. That’s why a three-point lap-shoulder belt should be used for the occupant. You should position the lap belt low across the pelvis and the shoulder belt diagonally from shoulder to hip, the same as a vehicle seatbelt. Additionally, you should avoid routing belts over armrests or using postural belts. This dual approach reduces injury risks by up to 90% in collisions.
