When an emergency strikes, whether it’s a fire, power outage, or natural disaster, every second counts. Having the right emergency evacuation equipment ensures that all building occupants, including those with limited mobility, can exit safely. But with so many tools on the market, one question remains: Should your facility rely on evacuation chairs or rescue sleds?
Both devices are designed for rapid, safe evacuation, especially in multistory buildings. However, they serve slightly different purposes and work better in certain environments. Below, we compare the pros, cons, and ideal use cases of evacuation chairs and rescue sleds to help you choose the best fit for your team and building layout.
What Is an Evacuation Chair?
An evacuation chair is a wheeled device equipped with stair-gliding tracks, designed to safely transport non-ambulatory individuals down stairs and through corridors during an emergency. It allows one trained person to assist another with mobility limitations.
Benefits of Evacuation Chairs:
- Safe descent on stairwells without heavy lifting
- Foldable and compact for easy storage near exits
- Ideal for individuals who are conscious and seated upright
- Quick deployment in multistory buildings
Best for:
- Office buildings
- Schools and universities
- Hospitals (for mobile or semi-mobile patients)
- Hotels or commercial buildings
What Is a Rescue Sled?
A rescue sled (or evacuation sled) is a low-friction device designed to move individuals horizontally or vertically in lying or seated positions. It’s often used to transport patients who cannot support themselves or who must remain reclined during evacuation (e.g., unconscious or injured individuals).
Benefits of Rescue Sleds:
- Low-friction base allows easy dragging over stairs or floors
- Accommodates patients in various positions, including supine
- Works well in tight spaces where chairs can’t maneuver
- Designed for broader use cases—pediatric, bariatric, unconscious patients
Best for:
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Nursing homes and long-term care
- Schools (pediatric-specific sleds available)
- Multi-patient evacuation scenarios
Which One Should You Choose?
| Feature | Evacuation Chair | Rescue Sled |
|---|---|---|
| Best Use Case | Seated, mobile individuals (e.g., employees, students) | Non-ambulatory or bedridden individuals (e.g., hospital patients) |
| Stair Compatibility | Excellent (track system) | Good (requires dragging or lowering) |
| Storage | Wall-mounted, foldable | Stackable, under-bed or closet storage |
| Staff Required | Typically one trained person | One to two people depending on weight and layout |
| Mobility Needs | Conscious, able to sit upright | Injured, unconscious, or requiring laying down |
Combined Approach: Why Most Facilities Need Both
The truth is, most facilities benefit from having both evacuation chairs and rescue sleds. Each serves different users and spaces:
- Evacuation chairs work well for mobile individuals with temporary or permanent mobility impairments in multistory buildings.
- Rescue sleds are critical for horizontal evacuations, bedridden patients, and tight corridors where chairs aren’t practical.
Hospitals, in particular, should have sleds in every patient wing and evacuation chairs in stairwells and exit paths. Schools may use pediatric sleds in nurse offices and evacuation chairs for staff or students with special needs.
Need Help Choosing the Right Equipment?
Not sure how to equip your facility? Contact Advanced Egress Solutions or call 844-847-2387 to speak with an expert about the right combination of evacuation tools for your environment.
We serve hospitals, schools, offices, and care facilities across the U.S., offering ADA-compliant, user-friendly, and staff-safe evacuation products.
People Also Ask
Can one person operate an evacuation chair?
Yes. Most modern evacuation chairs are designed for single-person operation down stairwells with track systems and braking mechanisms.
Are rescue sleds safe for bariatric patients?
Yes. There are bariatric rescue sleds specifically designed with reinforced materials and wider surface areas for larger individuals.
Do schools need both chairs and sleds?
Many do. Chairs help with staff or students who can remain seated, while pediatric sleds are safer for young or unconscious children in emergencies.