Car travel

Below are key considerations for minimising skin injury risks and maintaining comfort during car travel.

Pressure redistribution: For long car trips, redistribute pressure every 100km or at least every hour. Perform pressure lifts, leans or exit the vehicle to change position.

Cushion: A travel cushion can be used to minimise risk to the skin. Consider the cushion height and clearance from the car ceiling.

Posture: A posterior pelvic tilt is at times adopted for increased stability and due to car seat shape.This posture will increase pressure on the sacrum and coccyx.

Risk of burns: Sources of heat in the car can include the floor, seats, cushions, belt buckles and heater vents. These risks increase when the car has been parked in the sun.

New or different vehicles: Transferring into a different vehicle or side of the car can change wheelchair placement, height and distance of the transfer, seat positioning and foot well access.