What to do if a person in a wheelchair needs CPR

When assisting a casualty in a wheelchair during CPR, it's important to transfer them to a flat, hard surface for effective compression depth.
To ensure a safe transfer of a person from a wheelchair to the ground, follow these guidelines:
1. Apply the brake to restrict the movement of the wheelchair.
2. Create enough space behind the chair for the transfer of the casualty.
3. Detach any accessories such as food trays, armrests, etc. that are attached to the wheelchair.
4. If you are alone, secure the individual to the chair with a belt around their chest before going behind the chair.
5. Position their arms so that they are safe and will not be injured during the transfer - for example, across their lap or stomach.
6. Carefully tip the wheelchair backward to the floor using the handles of the chair.
7. Remove the belt that you used to secure them to the chair (if this step was followed).
8. Reach under the casualty's armpits and slide them backwards out of the chair to the ground, taking care to support their head, and ensure that any attached medical devices are moved with the casualty, remaining attached.
9. Immediately begin CPR.
If there is more than one rescuer, you may choose to carefully lift the casualty out of the chair - one person supporting their legs, another supporting the upper body. Alternatively, follow the steps above, adjusting so that one rescuer is on each side of the casualty and wheelchair. Each rescuer can reach under one armpit to remove them from the chair.
#cpr #wheelchair #firstaid #disability #australiawidefirstaid

[@aliciameloniejones4677]

Many of the people i work with in wheelchairs (both men and women) are overweight. Any adaptations (understanding context is difficult)?