UP, UP AND AWAY!
For people with mobility difficulties the excited anticipation of planning a summer holiday overseas may be somewhat tempered by some real anxiety about the travelling part. Nobody enjoys being manhandled into their airline seat and sometimes there can be the risk of injury to both the would-be passenger and the ground or cabin crew endeavouring to assist. Most airlines do try to be helpful but to date, for those who have mobility problems, the process of actually reaching your airline seat may have been tiring and even somewhat undignified.
A SAFER SOLUTION IS REQUIRED
With an excellent reputation for resolving the moving, handling and transfer difficulties of people with mobility problems, Mangar International from Powys in Mid Wales, was approached to design an effective ergonomic answer.
SEAT ELEVATION ACCESS TRANSFER SYSTEM (SEATS)
S.E.A.T.S. is Mangar's system to enable accessibility and transfer safely. The kit to make this possible is stowed away into a small travelling case on castors, currently to be held by the ground crew. 
When required, the crew will enable the passenger to transfer from the aisle (whether from a chair or from a standing position) to their seat by the use of small pneumatic lifting cushions and a simple transfer system.
The transfer system which is placed on the seats en route to that of the passenger comprises raised box shapes onto which is placed a small sliding board. The result simulates a sliding bench along which the passenger can transfer comfortably. This means that even the armrests are avoided. The components of the system are then folded and packed away into the little suitcase with the small battery powered Airflo compressor which inflates the lifting cushions.
The whole transfer is hassle-free and uncomplicated. Mr Mike Mackenzie, who represents four associations for the disabled under the banner S.I.T. (Spinal Injuries Together), trialled the system in an aeroplane at a recent demonstration held for a well known Airline and the Health & Safety Executive. He told Mangar International: “Having had horrendous problems being lifted on and off aircraft, the Mangar S.E.A.T.S. gives you dignity and is a safe and sensible way of transferring into an aircraft seat.”
PUBLIC MUST BRING PRESSURE TO BEAR
The H.S.E. is recommending the suitability of this equipment in Airlines, but much will depend on the travelling public asking for its availability to prove there is a demand.
Following the recent court case when an airline was sued by a disabled passenger who was injured through being manhandled into her seat, it would seem to be in everyone's interest to encourage the introduction of the Mangar S.E.A.T.S. system.
“No single system will suit absolutely everybody”, said Andrew Macphail , Marketing Manager of Mangar International. “However we believe the Mangar S.E.A.T.S. solution will certainly help most people, and its simple application makes it exceptionally user-friendly”.
For further information contact Mangar International on Tel: 01544 267674 Fax: 01544 260287 email: marketing@mangarinternational.co.uk
29.4.2005