Abstract
The opportunity to realistically equip the ventilator-dependent tetraplegic to return to his community can be met by a concerned team in specialised spinal cord injury centres. Proper equipment, independent electric wheelchair mobility and family training, encourages acceptance of the ventilator-dependent quadriplegic and increases his life-style options. Ideally, the initial 6-month medical management and rehabilitation programme is followed by periodic re-evaluations for medical follow-up, equipment changes and functional upgrading. The medical community must continue to respond to the challenge to offer adequate living facilities and financial resources for equipment and programme development.
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Dingemans, L., Hawn, J. Mobility and equipment for the ventilator-dependent tetraplegic. Spinal Cord 16, 175–183 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1038/sc.1978.30
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sc.1978.30