Medline Excel 2000 Extra Wilde, User Manual

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MDS806150N | PIC-00270 (Rev: 07-19-16)

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Reaching / Leaning / Bending – Forward Or Sideways

•  Position the wheelchair as close as possible to the object.

•  When reaching forward make sure the front casters are pointing in a forward position (Fig 1).  This extends the wheel base and will help        

stabilize the chair.

•  When reaching sideways position the casters to provide the greatest stability side to side (Fig 2).

•  Make sure the wheel locks are engaged before activity.

•  

DO NOT

 attempt to reach for objects if doing so means you must move forward in the seat.  DO NOT shift your weight toward the direction     

you are reaching.

•  

DO NOT

 attempt to reach objects if you have to pick them up from the floor by reaching down between your knees.

•  

DO NOT

 shift your weight or seat position toward the direction you are reaching.

Guidelines:  

Safety & Handling Of Wheelchairs

Reaching / Leaning – Backward

Position the wheelchair as close as possible to the object.

Make sure the front casters are pointing in a forward position (Fig 3). This extends the wheel base 

and will help stabilize the chair.

DO NOT

 engage the wheel locks – if your weight shifts while reaching backwards it is better for the 

wheelchair to roll than to tip.

DO NOT

 lean back over the top of the back upholstery.

Reach back only as far as your arm will extend without changing your position in the seat (Fig 3).

Transferring Into And Out Of The Wheelchair

Transferring to and from the wheelchair is a significant task that requires balance, agility and upper 

body strength. Practice with your healthcare provider before attempting transfers. If possible, 

always use a transfer board and have assistance available. 

•  Position the wheelchair as close as possible. 

•  On Recliner Wheelchair models, make sure the seat back is in the upright position and the 

    stabilizer bar is securely in place.

•  Position both casters parallel to the seat you are transferring to.

•  Make sure both wheel locks are engaged.

•  Remove the armrest and the footrests that are in the transfer path.

• 

 DO NOT

 put weight on the foot rests.

•  Transfer as far back into the seat or onto the bed/chair as possible.

Obstacles

Obstacles such as floor threshold strips, uneven floors, cords or items on the floor, or cracks in  pavements can damage your wheelchair and 

may cause loss of control or a tip over.  Be alert!  Scan your path and avoid any items that may cause instability.  

Curbs, Steps And Stairs

Do not attempt to negotiate curbs or single steps without assistance.  Ask your healthcare worker to provide instructions regarding safe 

wheelchair use for curbs, steps and stairs.  Proper body mechanics and awareness of the center of gravity is crucial for these maneuvers. The 

step tubes (Fig. 4) at the back of the chair are utilized to tilt the wheelchair backwards until the balance point is achieved 

and the front casters clear the curb/step.  Gently lower the front wheels to the ground and slowly roll the wheelchair forward until the rear 

wheels roll up over the curb/step.

Extreme caution is required if it is absolutely necessary to maneuver an occupied chair up or down 

stairs.  Two assistants with adequate body strength and endurance must be present. 

DO NOT

 lift 

the chair by any removable parts (i.e. swing-away footrests).  Make sure the hand grips are not 

loose. Techniques for going up or down steps should be received from a health care professional 

familiar with wheelchair use and practiced before attempting to transport on stairs.  If at all 

possible, an alternate means of transport up or down stairs is recommended.

Ramps / Inclines

The assistant must know their capabilities and limitations in terms of strength and endurance 

before attempting to go up or down a ramp. Slopes will change the center of gravity. 

DO NOT

attempt to negotiate steep inclines greater than 10% (6 degrees, or one foot of rise or fall for every 

ten feet of ramp length) without an experienced assistant. Use of anti-tip devices are encouraged, 

however, they may not prevent a tip-over. Sometimes anti-tip devices may catch at the beginning 

of a ramp. If this occurs, they will need to be disengaged and extra care should be taken. Backpacks 

or other gear on the back of the wheelchair will cause it to tip backward more easily. Training and 

practice negotiating ramps with a healthcare professional is recommended.

•  Go as straight up or down the incline as possible.

•  Check the ramp for any obstacles, bumps, depressions, or wetness before beginning. Ask for  

  additional assistance if necessary.

•  Stay in the center of the ramp if possible.  

•  Avoid changing direction while on the ramp as this may cause loss of control of the wheelchair.

•   Avoid stopping on a ramp.  Stopping may cause loss of control of the wheelchair. If stopping is  

  necessary, avoid sudden, abrupt forward movement when you resume propelling the chair as  

  that could cause instability.

•  When going up an incline, the occupant should lean forward. This will adjust the center of   

  gravity to counteract the tendency of the wheelchair to tip backward.

•  When going down a ramp, the occupant should face forward and lean backward into the seat.   

  Descent should always be done slowly.

DO NOT

 use wheel locks as brakes to slow down or stop the chair.  Attempting to use the wheel  

  locks could result in accidental locking, veering or tipping to one side, or suddenly stopping.

•  When going down a steep incline, the assistant should turn the chair and go down backwards to  

  avoid tipping the occupant out of the chair.

Basic Information For Wheelchair Assistants /            
Transporters

Work with the wheelchair user’s healthcare professional or your institution to learn safe ways to assist that are within your capability and 

comfort level. To prevent injury to yourself or the chair occupant use good body mechanics:

•  Always tell the rider what you intend to do so he/she is ready for your actions and can assist with maintaining a balanced center of gravity  

  for stability.  

•  Bend at the knees, not at the waist. Keep knees bent, not locked straight.

•  Use legs for strength, not the back or arms. This will help prevent back strain.

•  Do not twist at the waist. Keep the torso facing the same direction as the hips and move the feet to turn.  This will help prevent back strain.

•  Maintain a straight back. Hunching or rounding the shoulders can cause back strain.

•  Do not hesitate to call for additional assistance if needed. 

•  If you do not feel comfortable with an activity you are requested to assist with (such as negotiating a step or a steep incline), you may  

  decline to assist and should help find appropriate assistance. 

•  RECLINER models: Be prepared to support the weight of the rider when reclining or returning the wheelchair back to the full 

  upright position.

•  RECLINER models:  Always stay in attendance when the wheelchair is in the reclined position.

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

Fig. 1

Fig. 2