The MAVT course is certification program for persons who are responsible for safely moving injured, infirm, or disabled persons who need specialized transportation assistance.  The individuals who successfully pass the course are Certified Mobility Assistance Vehicle Technicians (MAVTs).

Why is all this training necessary?  Proper training, enhanced by a comprehensive orientation period, provides the safest possible environment for the patient and the individuals who are responsible for their transportation - the MAV Technician.  In most cases, the MAV Technician works alone in their vehicle and the likelihood for injury, whether to the patient or the technician, is greater.  An effective training program reduces the risk of liability claims and may reduce insurance premiums.

Patients being transported trust the MAV Technician to take them to their appointments, and then return them to their homes without compounding their physical problems.  The MAV Technician will also be able to provide assistance in the safest, most unobtrusive manner possible.

The course is conducted by certified MAVT Instructors under the administration of the Medical Transportation Association of NJ (MTANJ).  The MTANJ is the trade association representing the licensed providers in the State of New Jersey.  They serve as the administrative arm of the MAVT program.  In that capacity they are responsible for the proper instruction and course detail and the verification of certification of students and instructors who go through the course curriculum as approved by the New Jersey Department of Health & Senior Services Office of Emergency Medical Services.

Mobility Assistance Vehicle Technician Training

The MAVT certification course is 8 hours divided into 8 sections that includes practical application of the techniques presented:

Introduction

What is Mobility Assistance Vehicle?

OSHA Training Regarding Blood borne and Airborne Pathogens

The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Standard of

The Mobility Assistance Vehicle Technician

Driver Qualities

Driver Requirements

Common Conditions and Special Needs of the MAV Patient

Cardiac and Respiratory Diseases

Cancer

Diabetic Patients

Dialysis Patients

Loss of Muscle Control

CVA/Stroke

Brain or Spinal Cord Injury

Seizures

Cerebral Palsy

Loss of Limb

Behavioral Health

Hearing Loss

Visual Impairment

Children

Assisting the Patient Before Transport

Introduction to the Patient and Evaluation of Needs

Preparation of the Patient for Transport

Providing Assistance to Ambulatory Patients

Types of Assistive Devices

Wheelchairs

Standard Wheelchair

Reclining Wheelchair

Electric Wheelchair

Three (or Four) Wheeled Scooter

Geriatric Wheelchairs

Removable Armrests and Footrests

Closing the Wheelchair

Opening the Wheelchair

Seatbelts

Transferring the Patient

Ambulatory Assist Step Stool

Unassisted Transfers

Assisted Lateral Transfer

Standing (Pivot) Transfer

Sliding Board Transfer

One Arm Assist

Two Arm Assist

Assisting the Visually Impaired

Wheelchair Securing and Vehicle Operations

Preparing the Vehicle for Lift Deployment

Operating the Hydraulic Lift

Operating the Manual Ramp

Positioning the Wheelchair in Vehicle

Wheelchair Restraint Systems

Types of Floor Plates

Securing the Wheelchair Using the Four-Point Tie down System

Non-Approved Restraint Systems

Securing Other Types of Mobility Devices

Three-Point Occupant Restraint Lap Belts

Vehicle Operations

Moving the Patient in the Wheelchair

The Neutral Balance Position

Moving Up One Step / Curb - Facing Forward

Moving Up One Step / Curb - Facing Backwards

Moving Down One Step / Curb - Facing Backwards

Moving Down One Step / Curb - Facing Forward

Moving Patients Up Multiple Steps

Moving Patients Down Multiple Steps

Transferring Over Rough / Uneven Terrain

Wheelchair Movements Through Doorways