Wheelchair to Car Transfer

Wheelchair Transfer Procedure

Initial Setup for Transfer

• Position the wheelchair alongside the car and lock the brakes. Open the car door and push the seat back as far as possible.

• Remove the footrest from the wheelchair and align it next to the passenger door at an angle, ensuring both are accessible.

Preparing for Transfer

• Explain to the person what will happen during the transfer and encourage them to assist if they can.

• Assist in scooting forward in their wheelchair, ensuring their knees are together, feet under them, and trunk flexed forward.

Executing the Lift

• Maintain close proximity throughout; keep your back flat without twisting. Count to three before lifting with your legs while they push off from armrests.

• Shuffle backwards until you feel the car door behind you, then shift right so that their back is facing the seat.

Lowering into Car Seat

• Use your right hand to support their head as you lower them into the seat. Bend with your knees while keeping your back straight.

• Swing their legs into the car while guiding their trunk with your left arm; once seated comfortably, buckle their seatbelt.

Transitioning Back to Wheelchair

• Position wheelchair at an angle again; unlock brakes and open car door. Unbuckle seatbelt and ask for assistance if possible.

• Ask them to lean forward while placing one arm behind their back and another under their knees; swing legs out onto pavement.

Final Steps of Transfer

• Ensure knees are flexed with feet underneath; count to three as you lift using leg strength while keeping a straight back.

• Slowly turn left so that they face towards the wheelchair, shuffle backward until backs of knees touch chair, then lower them down carefully. Replace footrest afterward.