Volunteers/Volunteer Orientation/Wheelchair and Gurney Guidelines
Wheelchair and Gurney Guidelines
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Wheelchair and Gurney Guidelines
The use of wheelchairs in the hospital is a standard method of transporting patients and even some visitors. Gurneys are used when patients are unable to sit in a wheelchair. To ensure safe and courteous service for our patients and visitors, please follow these guidelines:
- Ask for assistance from a staff member if a patient is unable to get in or out of a wheelchair; do not lift or physically move a patient by yourself
- Before a patient gets in or out of a wheelchair, lock the brakes and turn the foot rests to the side
- Foot and leg rests may be raised if the leg is in a restrictive dressing or cast
- Before stepping into an elevator, let others exit first, then reach in and turn the elevator off while you back the wheelchair into the elevator
- While pushing a wheelchair or gurney, walk at a slow pace and look up at corner mirrors before turning corners; stay to the right side of the hallway
- Handle only one piece of equipment at a time; ask for assistance if additional equipment must accompany the patient, such as an IV pole, oxygen, monitor, etc.
- A gurney should always be pushed by two people
- Push patients on gurneys feet first.
