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As a long time wheelchair user, I am constantly encountering people whose manual wheelchairs have broken down in some manner. Some of these people end up in bed as they wait a long time to get a repair. Others keep using their wheelchair despite its significant problems.
I see this situation among people of both high and low incomes. It is a very common situation in LMICs. Some of them have physical assistance available to help repair their wheelchairs. Yet it still doesn’t get done.
When it comes to optimizing and repairing manual wheelchairs, there seems to be a societal blind spot where people think that only “medical practitioners and Assistive Technology Professionals can do it. As if a wheelchair is some ‘other world device” that doesn’t respond to common mechanical and DIY skills.
A manual wheelchair is literally just a chair frame with wheels attached to it. Other examples of chairs with wheels attached to them are bicycles, tricycles, baby strollers, go karts, and office chairs. Regular (handy) people repair these mobility devices all the time.
The most important aspect of a manual wheelchair is how it is set up and optimized for the person. Given that the majority of wheelchair users are not satisfied with their current wheelchair setup, it shows that the current (professional run) system is deeply flawed.
In my opinion, there is a need for basic Wheelchair First Aid knowledge. By first aid, I mean solving an immediate wheelchair problem in a manner that is less optimal than a long term solution. But it gets done right away.
Unfortunately, optimal long term solutions usually involve significant cost and the availability of proper assistive technology. Many people, particularly those in LMICs, will never receive an appropriate long term solution. Regardless, Wheelchair First Aid is the starting point.
A broken down or improperly set up wheelchair results in physical and emotional harm. Just like a bodily wound. Applying Wheelchair First Aid is a means to lessen the damage now, as you work (or hope) for a more appropriate solution later.
It is likely that some medical practitioners and Assistive Technology Professionals will not be supportive of the concept of Wheelchair First Aid. This is because the need for such a thing is evidence of the failure of the current system that they play a large part in. It also casts doubt on the belief that only someone with their specialized knowledge and experience can repair or modify a wheelchair.
Do not be discouraged by the Nay Sayers! Many wheelchair users all around the world need assistance and support to solve their immediate wheelchair problems. It is likely you can help them. Others can help themselves with a little bit of guidance and encouragement, or access to tools and equipment.
Learn Wheelchair First Aid today!