This document is a user guide for Medline Guardian Standard Manual Wheelchairs, including K1, K2, K3 Guardian, and Guardian Recliner models. It provides comprehensive instructions for safe use, handling, maintenance, and adjustments of the wheelchair.
Function Description
The Medline Guardian Standard Manual Wheelchair is designed to provide mobility for individuals who have difficulty walking. These wheelchairs can be self-propelled by the user or pushed by a caretaker. The guide emphasizes that a healthcare professional should determine the proper wheelchair that meets individual needs. The wheelchair is designed for use on firm, even surfaces like concrete, asphalt, and indoor floors and carpeting. It is not intended for use on loose, slippery, or uneven surfaces, or inclines greater than 10% (6 degrees) without assistance. The recliner models offer the additional function of reclining the backrest, which requires assistance from a healthcare professional or assistant.
Usage Features
The guide outlines several key usage features and safety guidelines:
- Opening and Closing: To open, hold one armrest and push the opposite side, then push down on the seat to ensure it's fully open. For recliner models, the stabilizer bar must be secured. To close, ensure legrests/footrests are in the forward and locked position, fold footplates up, and lift the seat upholstery at the center.
- Wheel Locks: Wheel locks are engaged by pushing them forward toward the front of the chair. It's crucial to check that they embed into the wheel at least 1/8" (3.2 mm) when engaged. Wheel locks are not brakes and should not be used to stop or slow the chair on an incline.
- Adjusting Seat Height (Hemi-Height): For models with a dual axle position, the seat height can be lowered or raised. This involves removing the nut securing the wheel axle, reinserting the axle into the desired height hole (hemi or standard), and then adjusting the front casters to accommodate the new height.
- Adjusting Leg/Footrest Length and Position: The length of the leg or footrest assembly can be adjusted by pulling out the plunger, pushing a button, and moving the assembly to the desired length. The footrest should not be closer than 2.5" (6.4 cm) from the ground.
- Installing/Removing Legrest/Footrest Riggings: To install, hold the rigging to the side of the wheelchair, install hinge plates onto the frame's hinge pins, and push forward until it locks. To remove, release the legrest lock by pushing the lever, swing the legrest outward, and lift the assembly off the hinge pins.
- Elevating Legrest Operation: For models with elevating legrests, simply lift the legrest assembly by the footplate to the desired height; it will automatically lock. To lower, hold the footplate, push out on the legrest lever, and slowly lower.
- Recliner Operation (Recliner Models Only): To recline, ensure the stabilizer bar is attached, the wheelchair is occupied and on a level surface. Stand behind the chair, grasp both handles firmly, lift up on the handles, squeeze the release levers, and slowly pull back on the back assembly to the desired angle. To incline, lift up on the handles, squeeze the release levers, and slowly raise the back of the chair.
- Anti-Tippers: Rear anti-tippers are recommended for additional safety and are required on all recliner models. They help prevent tipping and must be fully engaged, with a 1.5-2" (3.8-5.0 cm) clearance between their wheels and the ground.
- Safety Lap Belt: Included with select models, the lap belt helps keep the rider safe and well-positioned. It should be adjusted to be sufficiently tight around the rider's pelvis without causing discomfort.
- Reaching/Leaning/Bending: When reaching forward, casters should point forward for stability. When reaching sideways, casters should be positioned to provide maximum side-to-side stability. Wheel locks should be engaged before activity. When reaching backward, casters should point forward, and wheel locks should NOT be engaged to allow the wheelchair to roll rather than tip.
- Curbs, Steps, and Stairs: Do not attempt to negotiate curbs or single steps without assistance. For curbs, step tubes at the back of the chair are used to tilt the wheelchair backward until the front casters clear the curb, then gently lower the front wheels and roll the rear wheels over. Extreme caution is advised for stairs, requiring two assistants and proper body mechanics.
- Ramps/Inclines: Go as straight up or down as possible, checking for obstacles. Avoid changing direction or stopping on a ramp. Occupants should lean forward when going up an incline and lean backward when going down. Descent should always be slow, and wheel locks should not be used as brakes.
Maintenance Features
The manual provides a detailed safety inspection checklist and general care instructions:
- General Care:
- Wipe chrome/aluminum parts weekly with a clean, soft cloth.
- Clean all metal parts with auto wax or similar products.
- Dry the chair immediately if exposed to moisture.
- Do not use abrasive cleansers.
- Clean upholstery with a mild soap solution, rinse, and wipe dry.
- Clean hand grips with water only; avoid soap or ammonia-based cleaners.
- General Inspection: Inspect the entire wheelchair for broken parts, sharp edges, and loose fasteners. Ensure it rolls straight without drag.
- Frame and Cross Braces: Check for bends, dents, cracks, or rust.
- Upholstery: Inspect for rips, tears, worn spots, and loose or missing screws.
- Armrests: Check for cracks, looseness, or sharp edges.
- Hand Grips: Ensure they are tight, secure, and do not move or twist.
- Footrests/Legrests: Ensure the release mechanism works properly and locks securely.
- Front Caster Forks: Verify forks swivel freely without binding. Check that casters roll freely and come to a gradual stop when spun.
- Front Casters and Rear Wheels: Ensure axle and nuts are tight. Check for warped, cracked, or damaged wheels and broken spokes. Ensure wheels spin freely.
- Front and Rear Tires: Clean solid tires with a damp cloth. Replace if cracked, excessively worn, or flat.
- Recliners (for models equipped): Inspect reclining mechanisms for cleanliness and free operation. Ensure the stabilizer bar locks securely.
The document strongly recommends an annual inspection and maintenance service by a qualified dealer. It also provides a checklist for weekly, monthly, and periodically inspecting various components, including the chair's straight roll, cleanliness, frame, upholstery, casters, wheels, tires, hand grips, wheel locks, lap belt, and recliner mechanism.
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