Invacare Rea Assist, Manual

32

REA® ASSIST

Climbing a kerb

This method is for when the assistant is always behind the wheelchair and 
it creates the greatest safety for the user.

The following advice is for the assistant:

Illustration 1) Adjust the anti-tip devices upwards. Ensure that the user’s feet 
rest securely on the footrests and cannot slide off. Then tilt the wheelchair 
backwards and push it forwards against the kerb.

Illustration 2) Lower the frontal part of the wheelchair onto the pavement 
and place yourself as close to the chair as possible, before you lift up the 
whole wheelchair.

Illustration 3) Lean forward and lift/roll the wheelchair over the pavement 
edge.

Illustration 4) Lower the wheelchair onto the pavement so that the weight 
is divided on all four wheels. Ensure that the wheelchair does not roll 
backwards.

Dismounting a kerb

Follow the procedure above, but in reverse order (step 4, 3, 2 and then 1) 
to move off a kerb.

Kerbs – alternative method

This method is generally used by experienced assistants who are stronger 
than average. It can also be used when the kerb or step is low and only 
constitutes a minimal obstacle.

The assistant steps backwards onto the pavement and pulls the wheelchair 
up onto the pavement. It is important for the assistant to use his or her 
body correctly to prevent injury. Tip the wheelchair backwards and roll the 
chair over the kerb onto the pavement. Take particular care if the kerb is 
wet or slippery.

Escalators

Do not use escalators when you are in the wheelchair. Find out whether 
there is a lift nearby.

Stairs

We advise you to avoid using stairs when you are in your wheelchair, where 
possible. Choose an alternative route instead. 

We recommend that you receive help from two assistants to get up and 
down stairs. One assistant walks in front of the chair holding the frame 
of the wheelchair, whilst the other assistant walks behind the chair, hold-
ing the push handles. Check that the push handles/push bar are securely 
fi xed in place before you start. Fold the anti-tip devices upwards. Balance 
the wheelchair on the rear wheels until the balance point is found. The 
wheelchair is then rolled down the stairs, step by step, by letting the rear 
wheels roll over the edge of each step. Assistants must not lift by gripping 
the removable armrests or legrests. They must remember to lift the chair 
at the correct points, to use their legs and to keep their backs as straight 
as possible.