Wheelchair transportation has made the life of patients and disabled people easier. Such vehicles allow them to attend different kinds of medical appointments without requesting a family member to tag along. Moreover, they are well-equipped, and caregivers trained in nursing make the journey extremely safe and comfortable for the patient.
While non-emergency medical vans are engineered keeping in mind the safety and convenience of the patients, one should still be careful. No matter how advanced technology becomes, it never replaces human safety. The patient and the caregiver must follow some tips to avoid mishaps during the journey. Their relationship is unique and requires collaboration to have the best journey. So here are some crucial safety tips for patients and caregivers to follow.
Safety Tips for Seniors
When traveling in wheelchair vehicles, heed the following tips to ensure a safe journey.
- Know Your Wheelchair
The first safety tip we can share is to have full knowledge of your wheelchair, especially if you use an electric one. Electric wheelchairs are convenient but complex, and if you do not want to harm yourself or others around you, learn how to operate the chair or have someone by your side who knows the mechanics.
- Avoid Electric Wheelchair During Rain
Electrical machinery is best kept dry. So if you hear a weather forecast about rain or it’s already raining, do not use your electric wheelchair as it can get ruined or cause harm.
- Keep Children Away
Whether you are using an electric wheelchair or a manual one, try to keep small kids away from it. No matter how much you love them, it is best not to allow them to sit on your lap while you are in a wheelchair vehicle. They might press the wrong buttons, hurt themselves or cause injury to you. Keeping in mind their safety and yours, do not allow children to accompany you when traveling in a wheelchair vehicle.
- Be Careful of Your Environment
When using a wheelchair, be aware of the terrain and operate your chair accordingly. Moreover, if you have an electric wheelchair, be careful about the speed limit and do not push off on furniture.
Safety Tips for Caregivers
Both wheelchair and stretcher medical transportation services come with caregivers. They are responsible for catering to patient needs throughout the journey. All reputed NEMT companies hire trained nurses with sufficient first aid and CPR knowledge. As the adage goes, “Safety isn’t expensive. It is priceless.” So here are some safety tips every caregiver must follow
- Be Careful When Making Patient Transfer
Transferring patients, especially the bedridden ones, is a challenging and delicate task. One wrong move can prove dangerous for the caregiver and the patient. If you have been in the field of caregiving for a long, you surely know the necessary steps to do the job. Make sure you are not rushing and skipping any step.
- Ask for Help if Needed
If you think you cannot handle the weight of a particular patient by yourself, feel free to seek help from your co-worker or even a family member. Ensure you instruct them before allowing them to help. On reaching the medical facility, seek help from nurses and other medical staff.
Similar Link: Two Major Types of Medical Transportation in Hospitals
- Use Cushions
Cushions can make traveling extremely comfortable for disabled patients. Allow patients to relax and rest their elbows and back on appropriate cushions. Make sure you have placed them correctly to avoid sprain or pain.
- Ask If the Patient is Comfortable
Throughout the journey, it is the caregiver’s responsibility to ensure the patient is safe and comfortable. Feel free to hold conversations with them and ask them if they are comfortable or would they require something.
If you are traveling with a fragile patient or someone bordering on critical condition, keep checking their vitals and update the hospital you are arriving at. It will give them a heads-up about the patient’s condition, and they will make arrangements beforehand. Such an arrangement allows doctors to prepare themselves and saves time.
The importance of caregivers is beyond imagination. If it were not for them, patients would find themselves in extreme inconvenience throughout the journey.
Key Takeaway
NEMT companies today offer top-notch transport services if you can find the right one. Look for “patient transport services near me” on your browser, and you will find many choices. Pick the one that has the best ratings, reasonable pricing, and ample services. Such companies always ensure they hire the best caregivers and train them rigorously before assigning tasks.
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