Safe Wheelchair Transport Procedures in Ambulances

Proper wheelchair transport in an ambulance requires that the chair and the person in it to be secured. A system of specialized straps, much like auto seat belts, secure the wheelchair-bound passenger into the chair, while the chair is secured to the ambulance with floor installed bolts. Getting these attachments placed and secured is crucial to the safe wheelchair transport in the ambulance.

Instructions

• 1

  Roll the wheelchair with the passenger onto the ambulance loading ramp, if it's equipped with one. If not equipped with auto loading docks, orchestrate a four-person lift of the wheelchair into the ambulance.

• 2

  Maneuver the wheelchair and passenger into the designated lock-down area. Set the wheelchair brakes. Pull the waist and shoulder strap out from the side of the ambulance and secure the passenger into the wheel chair, much like an auto seat belt.

• 3

  Open the floor securing bolts so the U-shaped clamps disengage from the floor brackets. Slide the U-clamps over the wheelchair wheel and then push the U-clamp back into the housing. Tighten the locking bolts.

• 4

  Push the wheelchair to test if the bolts and clamps have it secured and in place.