There are many different types of wheelchairs, including bariatric transportation chairs for patients weighing 250-pounds or more. Weight and distribution of weight play a role in a patient’s needs. In certain bariatric patients, simply lifting a leg can present unique health issues, which is why people trusted to care for and transport bariatric patients must be trained for the job. They also must be equipped with the right tools, including a bariatric transportation chair.
There are an estimated one billion adults worldwide that are considered overweight, and around 300 million are obese. Weight is nothing to be ashamed about, as it is a very common issue across America. In fact, in recent years there has been a dramatic increase in bariatric patients. This presents a unique set of challenges to healthcare providers and medical transportation services. No challenge is too great for Stellar Transportation, Melbourne’s leading non-emergency medical transportation service.
Just like any patient, bariatric patients have unique sets of needs that must be met in order to provide a comfortable, safe and enjoyable ride. That’s right, we said enjoyable. Sure, you might not think of a doctor’s appointment as enjoyable but that doesn’t mean the ride there and back has to be dread-worthy.
Bariatric Transportation Chairs
New and advanced wheelchairs hit the market all of the time, focusing on different niche needs. Types of wheelchairs include lightweight, reclining, power, shower, pediatric, and bariatric wheelchairs.
Bariatric wheelchairs are made for patients weighing 250-pounds or more. Different bariatric chairs have varying weight bearing capacities; some are capable of supporting much more weight than others.
All bariatric wheelchairs are designed with extra strength and weight-bearing capacity in order to safely transport patients. The actual size of the chair is larger, allowing for greater patient comfort, which is the most important thing of all. If you are trying to put a patient in a chair that is not suited to their frame, build and size you are doing a serious disservice to them. Not only does this put them at risk for injury, but it also ensures they are uncomfortable.
Bariatric wheelchairs tend to be heavier because they are larger and sturdier. This is why we always send out 2 or more drivers when transporting bariatric patients. This helps patients relax because they know they have the adequate support they need.
7 Ways We Provide Safe & Comfortable Melbourne Bariatric Patient Transportation
We vow to transport every patient with the same level of care, compassion and safety. In order to ensure bariatric patients are given the respect and treatment they deserve we have many systems in place, here are 7 of them…
1. We hold extensive training and practice drills so that our drivers know exactly how to handle every situation.
2. We assess every location prior to transporting a patient to ensure the best plan of action. This means we never get into a bind with patients where a doorway is too small or a stairwell too narrow. We investigate the best route of action ahead of time so that it’s smooth sailing once we have a patient with us.
3. When moving patients from a bed to a cot we never use a cot that’s not designed to carry a patient’s weight. Instead we rely on a slide board or waffle air mattress to safely move patients without the risk of injury.
4. We park vehicles in the most desirable location possible for safe and easy loading of patients. Something as simple as parking over the wrong terrain can transform loading and unloading into a nightmare. For instance, trying to load a patient on sinking mud or a slopping hill is no easy feat. That’s why we plan ahead to find the best loading and unloading locations.
5. We come prepared with a plan and a back up plan. The unexpected is the only thing you can expect in life, which is why we are always prepared for anything and everything that may come our way.
6. Patient mobility and overall condition is assessed prior to transportation in order to create the most personalized plan of action. This helps us decide on the best vehicle for the job, as well as how many team members to send out on site.
7. We are never in a hurry! We make sure to pick you up with plenty of time to spare. Transporting patients in a hurry is the best way to run into issues and mistakes. Having time to spare allows us to go slow and make the best decision for patient safety and comfort, as opposed to the best decision to get somewhere on time.
We guarantee to get you to your appointment on time with utmost comfort and safety. That’s the reason we are number one in Melbourne for non-emergency medical transportation! (Reference)