 Transfers
A disabled person may be in a wheelchair and require transferring
to another means of conveyance in an emergency. Before the transfer, ask
the wheelchair user what is the best way for them to transfer. If they don't
knows or are unable to communicate with you, then tell them clearly what
you are planning to do.
During the transfer, use good body mechanics:
bend at the knees, keep your back straight and stomach in. Keep the person
you are transferring close to your body in order to maintain support and
reduce back strain.
Two Person Cradle Transfer
- Always position the person in the wheelchair next to
the evacuation device before being the transfer. The wheelchair and the
evacuation device should be positioned at a 45-degree angle to each other
and far enough apart to allow room for the assistants to move freely between
them.
- Lock the wheelchair. Remove the armrests and footrests,
if time permits.
- Two assistants position themselves on each side of the
disabled person. They then reach their arms behind the individual's back
and grasp each other's forearm with their hands to form a wristlock.
- The person being assisted places his/her arms firmly
around both assistants' shoulders. If the person being transferred has
limited arm mobility, each assistant places the person's nearest hand over
the assistant's head and rests it on their outside shoulder.
- The assistants place their free arms under the individual's
thighs, grasping each other's wrist. Counting, "one, two, three, lift,"
both assistants lift, using their legs to carry the weight.
- Stepping together, move the disabled person forward from
the wheelchair to the evacuation devices and gently lower onto the evacuation
device.
Two Person Fore and Aft Transfer
- This transfer is useful if one assistant is stronger
than the other.
- Lock the wheelchair. Remove the armrests and footpedals
if time permits.
- The stronger assistant stands behind the wheelchair and
slides his/her arms under the armpits of the person to be evacuated. With
the right hand, grasp the left wrist of the person in the wheelchair. With
the left hand, grip the individual's right wrist. Cross arms, placing one
arm on top of the other. This provides a strong lifting base and secures
the arms of the person being lifted.
- The assistant in front should face the person in the
wheelchair and hook one hand under each thigh of the disabled person, holding
securely.
- On a predetermined signal, both assistants lift vertically.
The weight should be carried by the legs, not the back.
- To complete the transfer, step to the side and lower
the person into the evacuation device.
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