At one time or another, nearly every professional driver that operates in New York City will find themselves transporting passengers that have special needs and/or use a wheelchair. When people with special needs are not afforded the respect and dignity that all people deserve, the effects can be devastating. During transport, serious and sometimes fatal injuries can occur during sudden stops, acceleration, turns and accidents if proper wheelchair securement practices are not followed.
Who are People with Special Needs?
People who use wheelchairs may be the most identifiable members of the special needs community but there are others to consider – including those with hearing and/or vision impairments and people who are mentally confused, at any age or for any reason.
Key Items to Know BEFORE You Transport People with Special Needs
Effective and efficient communication plays a key role when transporting members of the special needs community. Always treat passengers with respect and dignity. Make sure you have their full attention when you are communicating. Be clear and to the point when communicating verbally or visually.
When assisting people who are visually impaired always speak in a normal tone of voice. Never touch a visually impaired person before speaking and introducing yourself to them. Once initial communication is made it should be maintained. Visually impaired people often have a better developed auditory sense and rely heavily upon it. Always ask the person how they would like to be led. Make certain that when you are leading the person that you scan the area ahead for obstructions, impediments or turns and relay this information to the person being led. Scanning ahead will also protect you from an accidental trip or fall.
When assisting people with hearing impairments approach them from the front. Use universal signs and gestures to indicate directions. Speak in a normal tone – shouting may cause distortion in hearing devices. Don’t use exaggerated mouth movements. It may impede their ability to lip-read. Identify yourself by pointing at a name tag. You can also communicate with a pen (or pencil) and paper.
When assisting people who are mentally confused make certain to speak with the person who turns the passenger over to you about what behaviors to expect. Ask how to recognize indications of discomfort or displeasure. Ask how much the passenger will understand and how you should speak to them (firmly or softly).
When assisting a passenger to stand, practice good body mechanics. Keep your back straight and head up, brace your footing with your feet shoulder width apart, bend your knees and use your legs to lift. Ask them if they have a strong or weak side, and on which side they prefer to be assisted. A person using a cane should be always assisted on the opposite side.
How Can I Safely and Effectively Handle a Wheelchair?
Always maintain solid control of the wheelchair. Make sure the passenger’s feet are on the footrest supports before moving the chair. Advise them to keep their hands on their lap and their elbows in to avoid injury. Scan the area ahead for barriers, obstacles and impediments.
Wheelchairs are designed to operate on smooth, solid surfaces. Avoid sand, gravel and grass whenever possible. Advise the passenger when you are going to lift, tilt or maneuver the wheelchair. When negotiating obstacles, use good body mechanics to protect yourself and the passenger. Use the foot tilt bar if one is available. Never attempt to lift a wheelchair by the armrests or wheels.
How Can I Safely and Effectively Use a Vehicle Equipped With a Lift?
BEFORE assisting a passenger using a wheelchair lift, familiarize yourself with the equipment and receive proper training. Make certain the vehicle’s parking brake is set. Secure the lift doors so you and/or your passenger is not hit with a swinging door. Make sure there’s a clear area for the lift to contact the ground. Watch your feet! Place the wheelchair on the lift and set both brakes on the chair. Fasten or secure any safety belts. Never ride the lift.
Safely & Effectively Securing a Wheelchair in a WAV
It is essential to understand how the securement equipment works BEFORE using it. Most manufacturers provide training tapes and material for a nominal fee (typically about $25). All belts and securement devices should be inspected for wear and broken parts before every use. Remove bad equipment from service. Belts should not touch each other or cross. Always secure the chair at four points. Attach the securement to structural parts of the wheelchair only – never by the armrests or wheels. Keep the belts as close to a 45-degree angle as possible. After securing the wheelchair set the parking brake. Move the chair forwards and sideways. If the wheelchair moves more than two inches in any direction it is not properly secured.
What Else Do I Need to Do Before I Take to the Road?
Once the wheelchair is secured you need to secure the passenger. It is best to use both a shoulder belt and a lap belt. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. Always perform a pre-trip vehicle inspection, both inside and out. Make sure the vehicle is equipped with a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, a spare tire and at least three reflective triangles. When yougetontheroad, becertaintoalwaysusedefensivedrivingtechniques.
Additional resources include: http://www.sure-lok.com/products. aspx; http://hdsmn.com/wheeltiedsys.html; http://www.ezlock. net; http://www.qstraint.com; http://www.creativecontrolsinc.com; http://www.disability.gov.
Bertram Merling is the Loss Control Coordinator for Hereford Insurance Company. He welcomes your questions and comments, and can be reached at 718.361.9191 ext. 7235, or via email at bmerling@herefordinsurance.com
