3 Factors to Consider When Choosing Wheelchair Restraints

Posted on: 4 January 2021

People that use wheelchairs face unique challenges in mobility; these include falling when leaving the wheelchair and crashing with the wheelchair. The function of wheelchair restraints is to protect users from accidents, injuries and damage to items.

There are countless types of restraint systems in the market. They are made with different materials, and their safety levels vary greatly. You have to be careful when selecting tie-downs for your patient, as it will determine their safety and comfort. These simple guidelines are always beneficial. 

What Is the Level of the Restraints' Security?

The best way to determine whether a restraint system is secure enough is by listing down the possible hazards your passenger might encounter while in transit. The first hazard is the vehicle stopping suddenly, and lurching the wheelchair user forward. The restraint should have a belt that secures the chair to the floor anchors. This design ensures that even if the vehicle stops suddenly, the one inside the wheelchair does not lurch forward.

A second hazard is the vehicle hitting a bump and throwing the user up or sideways. A restraint system belt for the floor and the shoulder will be ideal for keeping the wheelchair user in their chair regardless of these movements.

What Is the Quality and Material of the Occupant Restraints?

First, the lap and shoulder components of the restraint must be compliant with the safety standards. The material and design should allow the tie-downs to self-retract, self-lock and quickly retract.

Remember to check the quality and safety rating given to a manufacturer before investing in the brand.

What Is the Tie-downs' Operating System?

Tie-downs are either manual or automatic. The automatic kind has a user interface you place on the wheelchair. They also have another control unit close to the floor. It is easy to teach the wheelchair user to turn the system on the wheelchair until it aligns with the floor's base unit.

On the other hand, the manual tie-downs have four belts you will use to tie down the wheelchair to your car. The wheelchair user will need help securing and undoing the belts when you get embark and disembark from the car. Of the two types, the automatic one gives the user more freedom. 

Excellent tie-downs should ease mobility for people that use wheelchairs and keep them safe when on the move. Choose the safe, durable and easy to use tie-downs to help you have an easy time when travelling in a vehicle. 

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