D.    PROCEDURES FOR NON-AMBULATORY PERSONS (IN WHEELCHAIRS)

Most ambulatory persons will be able to exit from the ground floor safely without assistance.  However, assistance may be necessary in the event that elevators have stopped working from upper and lower floors or in the case of fires, when elevators should never be used.

If assistance is needed and not life threatening to the carriers, allow the person to instruct the carrier(s) as to the safest method of lifting and/or carrying the person. This may include removing the person from the chair or carrying the person in the chair. (Battery operated chairs are extremely heavy.)

As conditions allow, ask the person's preference with regard to:

·         Method(s) of being removed from the chair.

·         The number of persons necessary for assistance (in the event the person must be carried more than three flights of   

          stairs, a relay team concept may be necessary.)

·         Whether it is necessary to bring along a seat cushion or pad for the person to rest upon.

·         Whether the person should be carried forward or backward.

·         Whether after care is necessary if the person is removed from the chair, and whether a stretcher, chair with cushion or

          pad, car seat, or medical/ambulance assistance is necessary.