Wheelchair Transfers

First, you must determine the patient's strong and weak sides. Always position the patient so that he or she transfers toward the strong side. Lock wheelchair locks and move footrests out of the way.

Take special considerations for wheelchair transfers on patients who:

1. Are stroke victims

2. Have fractures of the lower extremity

3. Have spinal trauma or surgery

4. Cannot stand safely

 

Four Types of Wheelchair Transfers

 

Standby - Assist Transfer

This is used for patients who have the ability to transfer from a wheelchair to a table on their own. But, you must provide movement instructions to the patient continually during transfer.

 

Assisted Standing Pivot Transfer

An assisted standing pivot transfer is used when transferring a patient from a wheelchair to a table. Use a transfer belt to hold the patient securely. Have the patient sit on the edge of the wheelchair seat. Provide assistance as needed. Have the patient push down on the arms of the wheelchair to assist in rising. Bend at the knees, keeping your back straight, and grasp the transfer belt with both hands. As the patient rises to a standing position, rise also by straightening your knees. When the patient is ready, pivot toward the table until the patient can feel the table against the back of the thighs. Ask the patient to hold onto the table with both hands and to slowly sit down.

 

Two-Person Lift

The two-person lift is used for non-weight bearing patients. The first person asks the patient to cross his or her arms over the chest. The person making the transfer stands behind the patient, reaches under the patient's axillae and grasps the patient's crossed forearms. The stronger person should lift the torso. The assistant squats in front of the patient and cradles the patient's thighs in one hand and the patient's calves in the other. At the command of the person supporting the patient's upper body, the patient is lifted to clear the wheelchair and moved as a unit to the desired place.

 

Hydraulic Lift Techniques

The hydraulic lift is used for heavy patients. Familiarize yourself thoroughly with lift operations before using this type of lift. Patients need to be seated on a lift sling before using this type of lift. Sending a patient back to the ward to return sitting on a sling is better than risking injury to the patient, the transferer, or both by attempting transfer without using a sling. Communication is critical to lift success.