Ultimate Healthcare Impulse User manual

Manual Wheelchair
User Manual
Issue 3 / 310317

Issue: 3 / 310317 Page 2of 22
Contents
1. Introduction........................................................................................................................................3
2. Intended Use.......................................................................................................................................4
3. Product Description ............................................................................................................................5
4. Wheelchair Safety...............................................................................................................................6
4.1 Stability.................................................................................................................................6
4.2 Weight limit .................................................................................................................6
4.3 Brakes.........................................................................................................................7
4.4 Transferring in and out of the wheelchair...................................................................7
4.4.1 Side transfer.......................................................................................................7
4.4.2 Front transfer .....................................................................................................7
4.5 Kerbs and obstacles ...................................................................................................8
4.5.1 Ascending a step ............................................................................................8
4.5.2 Descending s step ..........................................................................................8
4.6 Hills and slopes...........................................................................................................9
4.6.1 Going uphill........................................................................................................9
4.6.2 Going downhill ...................................................................................................9
4.7 How to tilt the wheelchair to negotiate an Obstacle ...................................................9
5. General Warnings...............................................................................................................................9
6. Operation and Adjustments............................................................................................................. 12
6.1 Opening the wheelchair........................................................................................... 12
6.2 Folding the wheelchair............................................................................................. 12
6.3 Adjusting depth........................................................................................................ 12
6.4 Wheelchair propulsion............................................................................................. 13
6.5 Folding backrest ...................................................................................................... 13
6.6 Leg rests.................................................................................................................. 14
6.7 Footrest adjustment................................................................................................. 15
6.8 Height adjustable armrests...................................................................................... 15
6.9 Brakes...................................................................................................................... 16
7. Transportation.................................................................................................................................. 17
7.1 Transportation of your wheelchair in vehicles ......................................................... 17
7.2 Dismantling your wheelchair for transportation ....................................................... 17
8. User Care and Cleaning.................................................................................................................. 18
9. Servicing and Maintenance ............................................................................................................. 18
9.1 Regular inspection checklist.................................................................................... 19
10. Disposal......................................................................................................................................... 20
11. Technical Specification.................................................................................................................. 20
12. Guarantee and Warranty............................................................................................................... 21

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1. Introduction
Ultimate Healthcare offers lightweight manual wheelchairs for convenient indoor and outdoor use.
As long as the wheelchair is maintained and operated in accordance with this User Manual, it should
last for many years, and provide you with freedom and independence.
All users and attendants should read this User Manual thoroughly before using this wheelchair. If you
have any doubts about warnings or instructions, ask your dealer for an explanation. If, at any time,
you feel you may not be able to control the wheelchair safely, do not use it, but consult your dealer for
a solution.
If you think the wheelchair may be damaged, do not use it but contact your dealer for advice.
We suggest that you keep this User Manual in a safe place. It contains essential information on the
operation of the wheelchair.
Caution: Ultimate Healthcare shall not be liable for any damage or injury caused by failure
to follow the proper instructions as described in this User Manual.
Caution: Before using the wheelchair all users must familiarise themselves thoroughly with
the various parts and functions as detailed in this User Manual.
This User Manual has been drawn up using information available at the time of printing with regard to
the design and operation of the wheelchair.
We reserve the right to make changes due to technical improvements.
Within this User Manual there are important safety notices. They are clearly marked with
the sign (left). Make sure that you understand all these notices. If you have any doubt,
contact your dealer
Note: Ultimate Healthcare reserves the right to modify the information in this User Manual at any
time. The information in this User Manual may vary slightly with respect to the basic design of the
product

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2. Intended Use
The wheelchair is designed for use by adults who require a robust, light and transportable
selfpropelled / transit wheelchair. This wheelchair has been designed for use – both indoors and out -
on flat, even surfaces. .
The Ultimate Healthcare wheelchair has, in its standard self-propelled or transit format (370mm –
580mm seat widths), been designed to accommodate users who weigh up to a maximum of 150kg
(24 stone), have all limbs intact and have sufficient upper body strength to maintain a safe position
within the wheelchair without the addition of supporting aids.
Adaptations from the standard Ultimate Healthcare wheelchair format are available to accommodate
users who do not meet the above criteria; these will only be considered after a suitable risk
assessment has been carried out by the product prescriber. When prescribing wheelchairs for use by
full or partial amputees (above or below knee, single or double) it is important to recognise that lower
limb amputation will affect the sitting centre of balance of the wheelchair. The impossibility of
generalising the individual ability of a wheelchair user means it is imperative that the product
prescriber carries out a full stability evaluation to ensure that the user is safe in the use of the
wheelchair and the risk of the wheelchair tipping is minimised.
The wheelchair should only be used in accordance with the safety advice given within this User
Manual. Failure to follow the recommended advice within this User Manual could lead to personal
injury.
.

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3. Product Description
The Impulse folding wheelchair can be fitted with either self-propelling 24” diameter wheels or with
transit 12” diameter wheels. The standard configuration is shown in the figure below, which
identifies key components.
The Impulse folding wheelchair can have various depth adjustments ranging from 400mm to 500mm
and also has a multi-hole fixation for the rear 24” diameter wheel to achieve various seat heights.
(1) 24” wheel with spokes (8) Front castor
(2) Padded nylon upholstery backrest (9) Safety release for armrest
(3) Push handle (10) Manual brake
(4) Arm pad (11) Hand rim
(5) Height adjustable armrest (12) Depth adjustment screws
(6) 80odetachable leg rest hangar (13) Quick release axle
(7) Flip-up footrest (14) Multi-axle adjustment
2
1
3
4
5
6
7 13
9 8
11
10
14
12

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4. Wheelchair Safety
Before operating the wheelchair, you should be aware that under certain circumstances, it could
become unstable and tip over. The wheelchair has been designed to operate on paved, even
surfaces and should not be used on rough terrain.
Warning: Read this before using the wheelchair! Failure to do so may cause damage to
you, a third party or the wheelchair.
Before you set out, do check the weather forecast. We suggest you make sure you are
wearing suitable clothing, whether your journey is long or short.
If you are taking medication, or have weakness in your hands or arms, check with your
doctor or physician that your ability to control the wheelchair will not be impaired by
medication or infirmity.
Do not drink alcohol and use this wheelchair.
Only use the wheelchair for the purpose it is intended. Try not to drive through water or
on slippery surfaces. Do not use the wheelchair to transport more than one person. Do not
carry excess weight on the wheelchair.
Wear gloves. To aid the control of the wheelchair, wear gloves. Make sure they provide you
with a good grip on the hand rim and that they are in good condition.
Before getting into the wheelchair, check that both brakes are firmly on and that the
wheelchair does not move.
Check armrests and backrest for security.
When in the wheelchair place your feet firmly on the footrests and make sure they are
secure.
Make sure the way ahead is clear and that you are not on a steep hill.
Release the brakes and practice going forwards, backwards and turning.
4.1 Stability
To ensure that the wheelchair remains stable and is manipulated correctly, you must always maintain
good equilibrium. Many actions cause the user of a wheelchair to reach out, lean over or move about
within the wheelchair and outside it. These actions will change your centre of gravity and weight
distribution of the wheelchair. The wheelchair has been designed to remain stable for normal
everyday use if it is used correctly taking the precautions recommended in this User Manual.
4.2 Weight limit
The maximum user weight limit is 150kg / 24 stone for the Ultimate Healthcare chairs with seat widths
of 370mm - 580mm.
The wheelchair user's degree of activity is important. For example, a very active user weighing 75kg
may subject the wheelchair to more stress than a less active user weighing 115kg. We recommend
very active wheelchair users to choose an appropriate design of wheelchair.

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The addition of a cushion will alter the centre of gravity and adversely affect the stability of the
wheelchair.
4.3 Brakes
There are two parking brakes; one on each rear wheel. They should both be applied when the
wheelchair is at a standstill. As the brakes are applied to the tyres, the tyres should be properly
inflated and undamaged. Braking when the tyres are wet or muddy may not be so effective. If the
tyres are wet or muddy, please take care to ensure that the brakes can hold the wheelchair in
position.
4.4 Transferring in and out of the wheelchair
When getting on the wheelchair, make sure that it is on level ground and the brakes are applied on
both wheels. Before getting off, always park on level ground, engage both brakes and ensure that the
ground is not slippery before leaving your wheelchair. If in any doubt, get assistance.
When getting on or off the wheelchair, always ensure that the footrests are raised so that you can
stand firmly on the ground and not on the footrests. Standing on the footrests could lead to the
wheelchair tipping forwards.
4.4.1 Side transfer
This may be done without assistance provided you are sufficiently mobile and have a strong enough
torso.
Move the wheelchair as close as possible to the seat you are transferring from. Apply brakes. Flip-up
both footrests and push or remove the leg rest hangers to help assist your transfer. Never try to
support yourself on the footrests as this could lead to the wheelchair tipping forwards.
4.4.2 Front transfer
If you are able to stand up and support your upper body then you should be able to transfer forward to
another seat.
Lock both brakes and make sure the castors are facing in a forward position. Flip up the footrests,
then edge back towards the chair until you can feel the seat on the back of your leg. Firmly grip the
armrest and gently lower yourself into the wheelchair. Adjust into a comfortable position then flip
down the footrests.

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4.5 Kerbs and obstacles
Try to avoid kerbs and obstacles. Never ride up or down kerbs or obstructions unless you are
confident of negotiating them safely. Always tackle obstacles head on. If you are unsure about your
ability to tackle a kerb, get help. Always lean forward when going up a kerb.
4.5.1 Ascending a step
To climb a step in the front position, the career must position the wheelchair in front of the step. The
wheelchair must be tilted as described below until the front wheel reaches the step. Then push the
wheelchair on the step until the rear wheels reach it and, finally, pull the wheelchair upwards until the
rear wheels are on the step.
Note:If anti-tip device is on, there is a free space of 3 cm for recline the wheelchair. So this free
space only correspond a maximum free inclination of 4º degrees.
To climb a step in the rear position, the career must position the wheelchair so that the rear wheels
are against the step and he must be on the step itself. The wheelchair must be tilted as described
below and pull it on the step. Finally, you should lower your wheelchair making sure you do so when
the front wheels are already far enough off the step.
Note:With an anti-tip device on, there is a risk of damage the anti-tip when pulling the wheelchair
up and/or leaning against the step.
4.5.2 Descending s step
Position the rear wheels close to the edge of the step, carefully tilt the wheelchair backwards as
described below. Gently lower the wheelchair over the step and return to an upright position.

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4.6 Hills and slopes
4.6.1 Going uphill
Lean forward when going up. Before you start to ascend a slope, be sure you have enough strength
and energy to climb it. Try not to stop or turn the wheelchair around. If you are not comfortable about
tackling a gradient, consider an alternative route or get help.
4.6.2 Going downhill
Lean back in the seat when you are going down hills and slopes. Never start going down a slope if
you think you might lose control, and always keep speed low. If you are not comfortable about
tackling a gradient, consider an alternative route or get help.
4.7 How to tilt the wheelchair to negotiate an Obstacle
Tilting or reclining the wheelchair should always be performed with the help of a career. He should
be aware of how to tilt the wheelchair correctly and have sufficient strength and ability to do so
safely.
To recline or tilt the wheelchair, you must hold the wheelchair by the handles and advise the user of
the movement that will take place so that he takes the necessary precautions for his safety. Next,
place your foot on the tail tube and press it, whilst gentle pushing downwards on the handles to
recline the wheelchair. In this way, you can easily overcome an obstacle. The career should lower
the wheelchair slowly and gradually, holding it firmly in order to avoid a heavy impact on the ground.
Attention: Do not lower the wheelchair quickly as it may injure the user of the wheelchair.
5. General Warnings
The operation of wheelchairs can endanger the life of the user or third parties. Any users
should always be fully capable of operating this wheelchair safely.

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Sitting for long periods may increase the chance of thrombosis or pressure sores. Users
prone to such conditions are advised to take medical advice.
These wheelchairs have been designed and tested for users up to the maximum weight
recorded in the technical specification. This weight should never be exceeded.
Passengers, even children, should never be carried.
Always apply brakes and test effectiveness before getting in and out of the wheelchair.
Damage. Before setting off, check the wheelchair for damage, particularly anything
which might affect the wheels or brakes.
Correct assembly. Before using, check the wheelchair is correctly assembled, the wheels
and armrests are properly attached, and the backrest is secure.
Footrests. Before you move, always put the footrests down. Makes sure they are secure,
and place your feet on them.
Seat Belt. It is advisable to use your seatbelt whenever you use the wheelchair.
Slopes. On steep slopes, the wheelchair could topple over. Always try and avoid crossing a slope. If
you have to cross a slope, take great care to avoid tipping. Never negotiate a slope unless you are
quite sure that you can control the wheelchair on the steepest part of the gradient. Do not
use your wheelchair on slippery or icy slopes.
Never back down a slope, as your wheelchair could easily tip over backwards. If you are not
comfortable with the hill gradient, consider an alternative route or get assistance to help you
negotiate the slope.