Things to take with you
Working out how you’ll get to your first outing can feel daunting, especially if you don’t have access to a private vehicle that accommodates your wheelchair. You may need to explore other transport options such as taxis or public transport. Once you arrive, it’s important to make sure you can access the building, that suitable parking or a loading zone is available, and that the environment meets your needs.
The Backpack method essentials
Extra bladder & bowel management supplies
- Extra catheters & lubricant
- Backup drainage bags, leg straps & extension tube
- Extra suppositories, digital stimulation gloves
- Compact mirror
- Extra pads and/or liners
Hygienic items
- Hand sanitizer
- Disposable gloves
- Flushable or disposable wipes
- Ziplock bags
Comfort items
- Pressure cushion for your wheelchair
- Hand gloves for manual wheelchair use
- Change of clothing
- Wear larger shoes to allow for swelling
- Power bank for charging your phone
First aid
- Barrier creams
- Basic dressings and bandages
- Antiseptic wipes
- Small tool kit for wheelchair (Allen key etc.)
- Pain relief
- Important medications in a pill box
Temperature control and AD preparation
- Layered clothing or pack a jumper/blanket
- Handheld cooling fan
- Water bottle with straw and stopper to keep hydrated
- Sun protection; sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Medical information
- Autonomic Dysreflexia medical alert card
- Set up your Medical ID on your phone on Apple iPhone or Android
- Download the Emergency+ Application