Position the wheelchair close to the bed at an angle of 30 to 45 degrees. Lock the wheels, remove the nearest armrest and move the footrest out of the way. Raise or lower the bed to the level of the wheelchair seat. With the patient leaning his upper body slightly away from the board, slide one end of the transfer board beneath his thigh, smooth side up. Position the other end so it lies flat on the seat of the wheelchair and points toward the opposite back corner. Rest the edge of the board against the front of the large chair wheel closest to you. Push downward on the board to prevent pinching when the patient returns to an upright sitting position, his hip and thigh on the board.
The patient moves himself across the board by pushing up with his arms and inching sideways toward the chair. If you need to assist, stand with one foot between the patient's two feet and put your arms around him. Bend at the knees and hips, then push up while lifting to gradually slide him across the board. Put a transfer belt or harness on the patient if needed for added stability. Be sure the patient has both feet on the floor before you start, and explain each step to him. Make the transfer slowly, through a series of leaning and sliding movements.
Recline the back of the car seat as far as it will go. Position the wheelchair at an angle to the car. Lock the wheelchair brakes and remove the armrest. Place the transfer board under the patient's thigh, with the other end solidly resting on the car seat and angled toward the center of the seat. If able, the patient slides himself across the transfer board to the car. Once there, he leans on the back of the seat while positioning his legs.
A person assisting the patient in this transfer will want to make use of a gait belt or transfer harness for security. Lift and slide the patient in several slow movements until he reaches the vehicle. You may need a second assistant to work from inside the vehicle to help the patient complete the transfer. Lift both legs at the same time and swing them together into the vehicle, positioning the patient's feet on the floor. Then fasten the seat belt before returning the seat back to an upright position.
To reduce friction when sliding, use a pull sheet.
When assisting, wear low-heeled shoes with wide, nonslip soles.
If the patient starts to fall, ease him down onto the closest surface. Then reposition yourself and him before continuing the transfer.
Talk with the patient's physician before assisting. Because techniques that work well in transferring one patient could harm another, you may need to train with the patient's physical therapist.