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james_davis_nicoll ([personal profile] james_davis_nicoll) wrote2012-10-15 04:12 pm

What safety tips would you have for people forced to use crutches

(Which does not include me at this time)

Storm drain grates are sometimes wide enough to let a crutch tip through.

Crutches slow you up a bit, enough if you're exiting by the rear door of a bus and you are wearing a backpack, the door can close on the backpack and haul you sideways.

Your head at mid-stride will be just a little higher than it was and those lintels you now just clear will now be obstructions.

Anything else?

[identity profile] blpurdom.livejournal.com 2012-10-16 04:37 am (UTC)(link)
Wearing the right clothing is important. Close-fitting sleeves are best to avoid loose fabric catching on the tops of the crutches as you move, but shirt fabric should also be stretchy, for freedom of movement. When outdoors, shorter jackets are better than longer, because longer coats will get tangled with the crutches when moving at a good pace. Also, a backpack is invaluable for carrying stuff; an across-the-body messenger bag will just get in the way of the crutches action. But keep the wallet in an inside or breast jacket pocket, to avoid thieves taking it from the backpack.