The most important consideration for wheelchair suppliers when choosing a wheelchair is the size of the wheelchair. The main areas where wheelchair users bear weight are around the ischial tuberosity in the buttocks, around the femur, around the groin, and around the scapula. The size of a wheelchair, especially the width and depth of the seat, the height of the backrest, and the appropriate distance from the footrest to the seat cushion, can affect the blood circulation of the affected area and cause skin abrasions, even pressure sores, in the passenger. In addition, patient safety, operational ability, wheelchair weight, usage location, appearance, and other issues should also be considered.

Precautions for selection:

1. Seat width: Measure the distance between the buttocks or thighs when sitting down, and add 5cm to create a gap of 2.5cm on each side after sitting down. The seat is too narrow, making it difficult to get on and off the wheelchair. The buttocks and thigh tissues are compressed; If the seat is too wide, it is difficult to sit firmly, it is inconvenient to operate the wheelchair, both limbs are prone to fatigue, and it is also difficult to enter and exit the door.

2. Seat length: Measure the horizontal distance between the buttocks and the calf gastrocnemius muscle when sitting down, and subtract 6.5cm from the measurement result. If the seat is too short, the weight will mainly fall on the ischium, which can easily cause excessive local pressure; If the seat is too long, it will compress the popliteal area, affect local blood circulation, and easily irritate the skin in that area. For patients with short thighs or hip and knee flexion contractures, it is better to use a short seat.

3. For comfort and to prevent bedsores, seat cushions should be placed on wheelchair chairs. Common seat cushions are foam rubber cushion (5-10cm thick) or gel cushion. To prevent the seat from sinking, a 0.6cm thick plywood can be placed under the cushion.

4. Armrest height: When sitting down, the upper arms are vertical and the forearms are flat on the armrests. Measure the height from the seat surface to the lower edge of the forearms and add 2.5cm. Appropriate armrest height helps maintain correct body posture and balance, and allows the upper limbs to be placed in a comfortable position. The armrest is too high, forcing the upper arm to lift up and causing fatigue. If the armrest is too low, the upper body needs to lean forward to maintain balance, which not only increases fatigue but also affects breathing.

The inability of wheelchair patients to move freely is the most painful thing for us, and it is very troublesome to move them from the bed to the wheelchair when they wake up. For many times, familiarity may not have a significant impact, but for those who have just come into contact, it is not so easy to complete tasks. Now let's talk about how to move wheelchair patients onto wheelchairs!

The height of the bed should be close to the wheelchair seat, and a short armrest should be installed at the head of the bed. The wheelchair should have a brake and a foldable footrest. The wheelchair is placed on the healthy side of the patient. The wheelchair is slightly angled at the foot of the bed (30-45 degrees).

1. The patient sits by the bed and first locks the brake of the wheelchair;

2. Bend the healthy knee to above 90% and move the healthy foot slightly behind the affected foot to facilitate free movement of both feet;

3. The patient moves their hands to the middle of the armrest on the far side of the wheelchair and moves both feet to prepare themselves for sitting;

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