Safe Techniques for Using Mobility Ramps
Oct 12, 2020
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Mobility ramps have been helping many individuals who are suffering from short term injuries or congenital immobility to move around with ease. It is challenging for someone using a wheelchair or immobility scooters to ascend or descend to and from higher grounds.
On the flip side, improper usage of mobility ramps are dangerous and may cause further injuries. There are ways on how to use mobility ramps safely. Knowing the techniques may help you ascend or descend without fear of falling and getting injured.
Ascending Safety Tips
- The first thing to do before ascending into a ramp is making sure nothing sits on your lap. When you ascend, you might need to kiss your knees when you go up the ramp to avoid falling backward.
- You also have to make sure there are no things on your back like a backpack to avoid tripping over when you move up. Any heavy object placed at your back during ascending will obstruct your motion, and it will also cause a dangerous accident.
- Having a seatbelt will add to safety during the ascend. Make sure your belts are snuggly tied around you to hold you in place when you move up the ramp. The seatbelt should be secure, but make sure it is not too tight that might cause discomfort.
- Make sure your anti-tip wheels are functioning correctly. Also, make sure it will adequately grip towards the ramp as you roll your wheel upwards. Gravity will be your enemy, and making sure your wheel’s grip is stable would be your best weapon against it. It will stop your wheels from sliding backward as you roll up the ramp.
- If you are using a motorized wheelchair or scooter, set it to the lowest speed during the ascend. It will help you have a stable momentum moving upward on your ramp, slowly but surely.
- Practice makes perfect. Experiment on various techniques on ascending using a ramp. The essential factor is focusing on moving forward; whatever way you are comfortable is okay as long as you set your goal and focus. You can practice in different inclines to test your capability and find your comfort level.
- Take note of the weather condition. When planning on using the ramp outdoor, make sure you are aware of the weather. Indoor ramps should not be used outside. It is better to have weather-resistant ramps to give you excellent traction during rain and snow.
- Make sure the ramp is not too steep. The steeper the incline, the harder and dangerous it is to ascend. It is hard to defy gravity, and the steeper your ramp is, the harder the gravity will pull you down.
Descending Safety Tips
- Choose a ramp with an anti-slip high traction surface to ensure a double safety grip during ascending and descending. There are many ramps with this feature found on Scooters N’ Chairs Mobility & Disability Ramps that you can choose from.
- When descending using a motorized wheelchair or scooter, you have to power up and slide slowly. Do not rush and secure yourself to your chair using a seatbelt snuggly tied around you. Make sure you are at the center of the ramp before you move down the ramp.
- A chest strap is better than a seatbelt since it will prevent your body from leaning forward as you descend the ramp. It will help you stabilize your upper body and keep it in place, which makes your slide more stable.
- As you approach the ground, slowly reduce your speed and do not stop right away. Instead, lower down your speed continuously until your chair stops.
- Landings on both the top and the bottom of the ramp must be flat and level. Handrails should also be provided to avoid going off the side. If handrails are not available, make sure someone is assisting the patient during the descend.
No matter how careful you are when using your mobility ramp, it is always best to have someone watch over while you ascend or descend on a mobility ramp. It is better to have someone who can help you as you use the ramp for more safe usage.
These safety tips should be followed by both children and adults who are using mobility ramps to go around the house or boarding a vehicle. Do not forget to also check your ramp all the time before usage and look for signs of wear and tear. Do not hesitate to purchase a new one.
Always remember, a person’s well being is more important than anything else. Choose your ramp wisely or change it when it is needed. Prevention is still better than cure, and it is essential to prevent an accident from happening.
Takeaway
Safety should always be the top priority, especially when taking care of injured or physically challenged individuals. Giving them more attention and taking good care of them by safeguarding their interests will provide them with ease and security.