A transfer chair or transfer chair is a kind of wheelchair. What uses is it intended for? Here is what you need to know about the transfer chair.

A transfer chair, also called a transfer chair, is a medical device. This temporary mobility medical equipment is used on an ad hoc basis in order to move a non-autonomous patient.

Composition

The transfer chair is a chair or a chair with 2 or 4 wheels that allows a patient to be moved a short distance as easily as possible. Its chassis is most often made of aluminum with a compact design to fit through all doors. It can be foldable. An adjustable strap positioned at the pelvis secures the person and prevents them from tipping over during transport. The push handles are enhanced with locking brakes.

The transfer chair makes it possible to move a person who is unable to propel themselves in a manual or electrically powered wheelchair a short distance as easily as possible.

The transfer chair is used in hospitals and nursing homes to move patients. It can also be used to move elderly people or people with reduced mobility in an airport, out of a taxi, in museums, shopping centers.

Paramedics, firefighters and rescuers also use transfer chairs to transport sick or injured people.

Finally, the transfer chair can be useful for the elderly, sick or people with reduced mobility who can thus be transported by their relatives.

A wheelchair for short trips

The transfer chair does not replace a wheelchair. It can only be used to make short trips indoors or outdoors, either by being pushed by a third person or in autonomous use at home in podal movement (by moving forward with the feet on the ground).

Public concerned or at risk

The transfer chair is suitable for people who can no longer stand and walk long enough to get from one point to another, whether they are in a hospital setting, in a retirement home, or at home.

The stages of operation

The transfer chair is placed as close as possible to the chair, sofa or bed in which the person involved in the transfer is. It is then necessary to check that the two brakes (parking brakes) of the transfer chair are activated and then fold the paddles upwards to avoid leaning on them. Finally, it is possible to transfer to / from the transfer chair.

When to use it?

The transfer chair is used when a person who is no longer autonomous must be moved for short trips, whether in a hospital environment or at home: to carry out a transfer of an establishment, go from one seat to the other. other (from bed to chair, for example), take a short trip outside, from the taxi to the doctor’s office, for example.

Precautions to take

The person’s back in the transfer chair should be as close to the backrest as possible and their thighs horizontal.

The transfer chair should only be used on surfaces where all four wheels touch the ground and where there is sufficient contact to drive the wheels in a balanced manner.

The choice of a transfer chair is made according to certain criteria:

• the weight of the chair: it must be light and easy to transport from one place to another;
• the maximum patient weight tolerated;
• the folding model or not according to the need to store or transport it;
• modularity: the armrests and the footrest must be removable if they are present;
• whether or not the model is supported.

Supported

On medical prescription, the transfer chair is partially covered by Social Security. Transfer chairs benefit from VHP (Vehicle for Physically Handicapped) type support.

The armchairs are available for sale and for hire.