Everest & Jennings Paramount User manual

GF0600047RevA06
©GF Health Products, Inc.
August 2006
Read this manual before
operating your wheelchair
Paramount
Manual Wheelchair
Owner’s Manual

2 GF0600047RevA06, August 2006 • Paramount Owner’s Manual
Contents
I INTRODUCTION............................................................................3
II IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ..........................................5
III GETTING STARTED ....................................................................8
IV HANDLING TIPS..........................................................................9
V ADJUSTMENTS.........................................................................14
VI TRANSPORTING THE E&J PARAMOUNT ..................................23
VII MAINTENANCE .......................................................................25
VIII TROUBLESHOOTING ..............................................................31
IX LIMITED WARRANTY...............................................................33
X INDEX .......................................................................................35

GF0600047RevA06, August 2006 • Paramount Owner’s Manual 3
READ THIS MANUAL BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
WHEELCHAIR
I INTRODUCTION
Important safety, operating, and maintenance instructions that war-
rant your attention are included in this owner's manual. Read the
entire manual carefully before operating your new wheelchair, and
refer to it as often as necessary to help maintain good performance
standards.
Consult your healthcare professional and Graham-Field Health
Products dealer for assistance in developing and learning safe and
effective techniques for performing your daily activities according to
your individual physical abilities and needs, and to make certain that
your wheelchair is properly prescribed and adjusted for your use.
The safety precautions in this manual are general warnings intended
to be used only as basic guidelines. You may find it necessary to
develop your own methods for safely solving frequently encountered
challenges. Again, consult your professional medical advisors for
their recommendations about safety methods, and never hesitate to
ask for their assistance.
Your wheelchair should receive frequent, regularly scheduled main-
tenance, including an inspection of the mechanical parts, to ensure
proper operation. Some suggested inspection procedures, trouble-
shooting procedures, and adjustment procedures are included in this
manual. When it comes to service and repair, remember that your
Graham-Field Health Products dealer knows your wheelchair best.
All information and specifications in this manual are current at the
time of printing. However, because it is Graham-Field Health Prod-
ucts policy to continually improve the quality and reliability of all our
products, we reserve the right to make changes at any time without
notice.

4 GF0600047RevA06, August 2006 • Paramount Owner’s Manual
Thank you for choosing an Everest & Jennings® product. We at
Graham-Field Health Products wish to assure you of our continuing
commitment to provide innovation and quality in our products. The
Paramount is a manual, folding, lightweight wheelchair, suitable for
frequent users who require a lightweight, portable wheelchair, fitted
to their anatomy, without the need of customization or alteration to
the center of gravity. The Paramount is intended for indoor and/or
outdoor use.
The person performing adjustments on the Paramount has the
responsibility of making certain that the user can safely operate the
wheelchair with the adjustments selected. This person must evalu-
ate the user's ability, weight, physical condition, the environment in
which the wheelchair will be used, and the terrain over which the
wheelchair will travel. We recommend the use of anti-tippers at all
times.
Graham-Field Health Products is not responsible for typographical
errors. Packaging, warranties and products are subject to change
without notice.
Please note the following special statements, used throughout this
manual, and their significance:
Note: Special information set off from the text.
▲Caution: Damage to equipment is possible.
WARNING: Personal injury could occur.

GF0600047RevA06, August 2006 • Paramount Owner’s Manual 5
II IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: ALWAYS FOLLOW THESE
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING YOUR WHEELCHAIR.
FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY TO YOU
OR OTHERS OR DAMAGE TO YOUR WHEELCHAIR.
Safety requires the constant attention of the wheelchair user and
the attendant. It is extremely important to learn and always use safe
methods of performing basic daily activities. Always consult your
healthcare professional to determine those methods most suitable for
your individual abilities.
Protect yourself and your wheelchair by having your Paramount
serviced regularly. Whenever any part of your Paramount is not func-
tioning properly, contact your Graham-Field Health Products dealer
immediately, as a hazardous situation could result, causing personal
injury or damage to your wheelchair. ONLY EXCELLENT CONDI-
TION IS ACCEPTABLE WHERE SAFETY IS CONCERNED. Periodic
inspection, adjustment, and replacement of worn parts will provide
many years of superb performance.
WARNINGS
WARNING: Paramount maximum weight capacity is 500 lb.
(227 kg).
WARNING: Do not operate this wheelchair on streets or
roadways.
WARNING: Do not operate this wheelchair on hilly or rough
terrain, sand, wet or icy surfaces, or surfaces
with impaired traction. Ensure that pathway is
clear of all obstacles.
WARNING: Do not turn wheelchair while going downhill, as
wheelchair could tip over.

6 GF0600047RevA06, August 2006 • Paramount Owner’s Manual
WARNING: Do not attempt inclines without anti-tippers
installed. Do not attempt any incline or decline
greater than six degrees (10% grade, or one foot
of rise or fall per ten feet of ramp length).
WARNING: This wheelchair does not offer seating or occu-
pant restraint equivalent to the seat provided in
a motor vehicle! To increase your safety while
traveling in a motor vehicle, always transfer to
the vehicle seat and use the restraint provided
by the vehicle manufacturer.
WARNING: Do not tie down or attach anything to the
wheels. This could cause tipping and possibly
result in injury or damage to the wheelchair.
WARNING: The footplates' lowest point should clear the
ground by at least 2 1/2inches, to permit proper
clearance of potential obstruction.
WARNING: Doing a "wheelie" (tilting the wheelchair back-
ward until it reaches its balance point) is danger-
ous and could result in personal injury to the
user.
WARNING: Do not stand or step on the footplates while
transferring to or from your wheelchair. This
could cause the wheelchair to tip or may cause
personal injury or damage to your wheelchair.
WARNING: Always engage wheel locks before transferring,
using a wheelchair lift or using an elevator.
WARNING: Ensure that wheelchair is on a stable, level sur-
face and engage wheel locks before and during
transfer.
WARNING: Operate only with anti-tippers in place when
leaning or tipping.

GF0600047RevA06, August 2006 • Paramount Owner’s Manual 7
WARNING: Do not lean over the top of the wheelchair back.
This could cause the wheelchair to tip over.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of tipping before leaning or
reaching forward, sit back in the seat and rotate
casters fully toward front of wheelchair.
WARNING: Unauthorized modification or the use of non-
Everest & Jennings®replacement parts could
change the structure of the wheelchair, void
the warranty, and create a hazardous condition
resulting in serious personal injury.
WARNING: Do not lean on this wheelchair or use it as a
walker—these are practices which could result
in loss of balance and personal injury.
WARNING: Do not use your wheelchair on escalators.
WARNING: Wheel locks are not brakes. Do not use the
wheel locks to slow down your wheelchair, or
while the wheelchair is moving. Wheel locks are
only intended to keep the wheelchair in place
when it is at a complete stop.
WARNING: GF Health Products, Inc. specifically disclaims
responsibility for any personal injury or property
damage which may occur during any use which
does not comply with federal, state, or local laws
or ordinances.

8 GF0600047RevA06, August 2006 • Paramount Owner’s Manual
III GETTING STARTED
Please familiarize yourself with main components, identified in Para-
mount illustration below.
Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice.
anti-tipper
wheel lock
cross brace
frame
rear wheel
caster wheel
footrest
caster housing
caster fork
armpad
arm
seat
upholstery
back upholstery
push handle/
back post

GF0600047RevA06, August 2006 • Paramount Owner’s Manual 9
IV HANDLING TIPS
The Everest & Jennings® Paramount has been designed and engi-
neered to perform as a stable and well balanced unit when used for
its intended purpose. However, it is possible to tip the Paramount
over if it is used improperly. We urge you to learn the characteristics
of your wheelchair. It is most important to learn safe methods to
perform the daily activities basic to your lifestyle. Consult your medi-
cal professionals for assistance in developing the skills and proper
techniques to perform all activities safely.
BALANCE
Proper balance is the key to maintaining the stability of your wheel-
chair. Reaching, bending, and transferring to or from a wheelchair
will change the weight distribution and center of gravity of you and
your wheelchair. When performing such activities, do so as instruct-
ed in the following paragraphs to avoid tipping the wheelchair.
TRANSFER ACTIVITIES
WARNING: Always ensure that the wheelchair is on a stable,
level surface and engage wheel locks before
transfer.
WARNING: Do not step on the footplates; this could cause
the wheelchair to tip. Fold them up, and either
detach them, or swing them aside.
WARNING: There is a critical moment when there is little
or no seat platform beneath you. Take every
precaution to reduce this unsupported distance
before you attempt transfer.
Transferring into or out of a wheelchair is a very difficult maneuver.
Exercise extreme care when transferring without the aid of either an
attendant or a patient lift. Consult your physician, nurse, or physi-
cal therapist for assistance in developing your individual technique.

10 GF0600047RevA06, August 2006 • Paramount Owner’s Manual
Make sure that the wheelchair is stabilized, and will not move or
slide during the transfer. Take extra precaution to prevent tipping.
Use good body mechanics to prevent personal injury.
REACHING / BENDING
WARNING: Always turn the casters frontward to provide sta-
bility while reaching. If in doubt, ask for assis-
tance or use a device that will extend your reach
without requiring you to shift your weight.
Although it is not recommended, you may find it occasionally neces-
sary to lean or reach from your wheelchair. Consult with your health-
care professional for assistance in developing your personal safe
reaching or moving techniques suited to your ability and restrictions.
Forward or sideward
WARNING: Do not attempt to reach objects if you are
required to move forward in the seat. Do not
attempt to retrieve objects from the floor if you
must reach down between your knees. Do not
shift your weight in the direction that you are
reaching and/or bending; this could cause the
wheelchair to tip.
1. Maneuver the wheelchair as close as possible to the object you
wish to reach.
2. Rotate both casters fully forward: Go forward, and then back the
wheelchair toward the object to swing the casters fully forward.
3. Engage both wheel locks.
4. Ensure that the casters are rotated fully forward before reach-
ing. If not, repeat step 2.

GF0600047RevA06, August 2006 • Paramount Owner’s Manual 11
Backward
WARNING: Do not engage the wheel locks while reaching or
bending backward. Should your weight suddenly
shift accidentally, it is better to roll in that direc-
tion than to tip over.
WARNING: Do not lean over the back upholstery; this could
cause the wheelchair to tip.
1. Maneuver the wheelchair as close as possible to the object; the
rear wheels will limit how close you can get.
2. Rotate both casters fully forward: Go forward, and then back the
wheelchair toward the object to swing the casters fully forward.
3. Reach only as far as your arm will extend without changing
your sitting position. If in doubt, reposition the wheelchair or
ask for assistance.

12 GF0600047RevA06, August 2006 • Paramount Owner’s Manual
RAMPS AND INCLINES
WARNING: During descent, the footplates' lowest point
should be no closer to the ground than 2 1/2
inches to permit proper clearance.
WARNING: Do not attempt inclines without anti-tippers in-
stalled. Do not attempt any incline or decline of
more than 6 degrees (10% grade, or one foot of
rise or fall per ten feet of ramp length).
WARNING: Do not use wheel locks to slow your descent. At-
tempting to use wheel locks is likely to result in
accidental locking that could cause the wheel-
chair to stop abruptly, suddenly pitch forward, or
tip sideways.
WARNING: Avoid changing direction while descending a
ramp or incline, as this could cause instability.
Most people are capable of negotiating short inclines without assis-
tance, depending upon upper body strength, endurance, and the de-
gree of incline. Know your own capabilities and limitations in terms
of strength and endurance before attempting to negotiate an incline
or decline. Practice with an attendant or healthcare professional
first before attempting any inclines, declines curbs or ramps. Al-
ways inspect the ramp for hazards such as holes, slippery or uneven
surfaces, etc. before starting up or down. If you can not see the entire
ramp, ask someone to inspect it for you.
Ascent
Lean the upper part of your body slightly forward as you ascend the
incline. If it becomes necessary to stop on the incline, avoid any
abrupt or sudden forward movement as you resume climbing, this
could cause tipping.

GF0600047RevA06, August 2006 • Paramount Owner’s Manual 13
Descent
Always face forward when going down a ramp, but do not lean
forward; this could cause tipping. Lean slightly backward to increase
stability. It is critical to keep the wheelchair under control at all
times. Descent should be made slowly and safely by grasping the
handrims; however, use care, as friction heat will be generated. We
recommend the use of gloves to reduce the effects of friction heat,
but going slower is a better alternative.
CURBS AND STEPS
Curbs, steps and stairways are dangerous obstacles that confront
the wheelchair user. When you encounter curbs, find a way around,
or use the ramps now available in most locations. If you encounter
steps and there is no ramp available, avoid the steps by utilizing the
disabled designated elevators now required in most locations.
WARNING: Never attempt to negotiate steps, stairs or esca-
lators in your Paramount.

14 GF0600047RevA06, August 2006 • Paramount Owner’s Manual
V ADJUSTMENTS
The Paramount offers several adjustments to make it easier and
more comfortable to drive. Part VII, MAINTENANCE, offers preventive
maintenance suggestions for keeping your wheelchair in excellent
condition; ensure that all components are in excellent condition
before adjusting. The following are recommended methods; after
a few adjustments, you may develop your own. Always consult your
Graham-Field Health Products dealer for assistance.
The person performing adjustments on the Paramount has the
responsibility of making certain that the user can safely operate the
wheelchair with the adjustments selected. This person must evalu-
ate the user's ability, weight, physical condition, the environment in
which the wheelchair will be used, and the terrain over which the
wheelchair will travel.
All adjustments and their page locations are referenced in the index
at the end of this manual. Specific tools needed to perform each
adjustment are identified in adjustment directions. A complete list of
tools needed to perform all adjustments in this section follows:
Phillips screwdriver
Two 1/2" wrenches
3/8" wrench
M13 wrench
M6 hex key
REAR WHEELS & CASTERS
We recommend that you do not replace or adjust rear wheel or caster
components yourself, since special tools and training are required.
Please contact your Graham-Field Health Products dealer when your
rear wheels or casters need adjustment.

GF0600047RevA06, August 2006 • Paramount Owner’s Manual 15
ARMS
All Paramount arms are removable.
Remove arm
1. Depress lower
arm release pin
until it unlocks.
2. Hold arm by cen-
ter of armpad. Lift
straight up and
off.
Install arm
Hold arm by center of
armpad. Lower arm
straight down into
sockets and push to
lock. Ensure that release pin is locked in place.
WARNING: Ensure that arm release is locked in place before
occupying or operating wheelchair.
front arm socket
arm
release pin
right arm
remove arm

16 GF0600047RevA06, August 2006 • Paramount Owner’s Manual
hinge
plate
swingaway
release lever
remove footrest
(left shown)
FRONT RIGGING
FOOTREST—DETACHABLE, SWINGAWAY
WARNING: The footplates' lowest point should be no closer
to the ground than 2 1/2inches, to permit proper
clearance.
WARNING: Do not stand on the footplates; this could cause
the wheelchair to tip.
Remove footrest
1. To release lock, pull
swingaway release lever
forward, toward front of
wheelchair. Footrest will
swing outward.
2. To remove, lift footrest
straight up off wheel-
chair hinge pins.
Attach footrest
1. Set footrest on wheel-
chair (so that footrest
hinge plates engage
wheelchair hinge pins).
2. Swing footrest inward.
3. Ensure that swingaway
release lever is locked in
a rearward position, to-
ward back of wheelchair.
WARNING: Ensure that footrests are locked in place before
occupying or operating wheelchair.

GF0600047RevA06, August 2006 • Paramount Owner’s Manual 17
footplate extension,
adjust length
footplate
extension
nut
clamp
Adjust footplate extension length
Two 1/2" wrenches
1. Loosen footrest clamp:
Use a two 1/2" wrenches
to loosen nut enough
so that footplate exten-
sion tube slides inside
footrest tube.
2. Reposition footplate
extension in desired
position.
3. Tighten footrest clamp:
Use a two 1/2" wrenches
to resecure clamp nut.
4. Follow steps 1-3 to adjust
other footplate exten-
sion length. Ensure that
both footplate extension
clamps are securely fas-
tened and that minimum
ground clearance is 2 1/2
inches.
WARNING: Ensure that footplates are securely clamped
before occupying or operating wheelchair.

18 GF0600047RevA06, August 2006 • Paramount Owner’s Manual
hinge
plate
swingaway
release lever
remove elevating legrest
(upper part only shown)
ELEVATING LEGREST (OPTIONAL)—DETACHABLE, SWINGAWAY
WARNING: The footplates' lowest point should be no closer
to the ground than 2 1/2inches, to permit proper
clearance.
WARNING: Do not stand on the footplates; this could cause
the wheelchair to tip.
Remove elevating legrest
1. To release lock, pull
swingaway release
lever forward, toward
front of wheelchair.
Legrest will swing
outward.
2. To remove, lift legrest
straight up off wheel-
chair hinge pins.
Attach elevating legrest
1. Set legrest on wheelchair (so that legrest hinge plates engage
wheelchair hinge pins).
2. Swing legrest inward.
3. Ensure that legrest is locked in place and that swingaway
release lever is locked in a rearward position, toward back of
wheelchair.
WARNING: Ensure that legrests are locked in place before
occupying or operating wheelchair.

GF0600047RevA06, August 2006 • Paramount Owner’s Manual 19
adjust legrest
elevation
legrest
release lever
Adjust legrest elevation
Note: It is possible to RAISE elevating legrest without unlock-
ing legrest release. As a safety feature, however, you
must unlock legrest release in order to LOWER elevat-
ing legrest.
1. To release elevation lock,
pull legrest release lever
up toward back of wheel-
chair.
2. Swing legrest up to de-
sired position.
3. Lock legrest elevation
level: Pull lever toward
front of wheelchair.
4. Ensure that elevating
legrest is locked in posi-
tion.
WARNING: Ensure that legrests are locked in place before
occupying or operating wheelchair.
Adjust legrest footplate extension length
See Adjust footplate extension length in Footrest—Detachable,
Swingaway section.

20 GF0600047RevA06, August 2006 • Paramount Owner’s Manual
adjust calf pad position,
elevating legrest
(footplate extension
not shown)
calf pad
hinge plate slot
legrest tube stop
legrest tube
legrest calf
pad / hinge
plate assembly
Adjust elevating legrest calf pad position
The legrest calf pad has three mounting positions one inch apart
on legrest tube. Refer to picture at right. To adjust:
1. Rotate calf pad/
hinge plate as-
sembly on legrest
tube so that
legrest tube stop
is in center of
hinge plate slot.
2. Slide calf pad
/ hinge plate
assembly up or
down on legrest
tube to desired
position.
3. Rotate calf pad /
hinge plate as-
sembly on legrest
tube so that
legrest tube stop
is aligned in desired position.
WARNING: Ensure that calf pads are locked in place
before occupying or operating wheelchair.