Every building’s emergency evacuation strategy should be tailored to its occupants and layout. Whether you’re overseeing a multistory office, a hospital wing, or a school, selecting the appropriate evacuation devices is critical. This guide will help safety managers and facilities personnel understand what tools fit your specific needs.
1. Map Your Evacuation Needs to Your Building Type
- Multistory Offices & Commercial Buildings: People may need to descend stairs quickly. Choose evacuation chairs and rescue sleds designed for stair descent.
- Hospitals & Long-Term Care: With non-ambulatory patients, you’ll need patient evacuation mattresses, bariatric sleds, and embedded bed solutions for in-room evacuation.
- Schools & Childcare Facilities: Prioritize pediatric evacuation tools including rescue sleds for shorter bodies and evacuation cribs for infant care.
- Single-level or Ground-Floor Spaces: Simplify with evacuation sleds or sliding stretchers that allow quick horizontal movement with minimal lifting.
2. Match Devices to the Population You Serve
Consider your occupants’ physical needs:
- General Population: Lightweight, universal evacuation chairs or sleds accommodate most users.
- Pediatric Use: Devices sized for smaller bodies, such as pediatric rescue sleds, prevent slippage and ensure safety.
- Bariatric Use: Larger-weight capacity tools, like bariatric evacuation chairs and sleds, protect staff and reduce risk.
3. Evaluate Site Constraints & Stair Compatibility
Take into account:
- Stair Width and Angles: Choose evacuation chairs or sleds with compact profiles or stair gliding systems.
- Corridor Space: Ensure cleared width for maneuvering. Rollable sleds or inflatable stretchers may be best for tight zones.
- Storage Needs: Devices should fit in accessible emergency locations. Consider wall-mounted chairs or compact sleds.
4. Consider Training Requirements & Usability
To ensure rapid response:
- Choose devices built for intuitive use. Minimal setup and single-person operation.
- Invest in training. Advanced Egress Solutions offers equipment demonstrations and staff training sessions.
- Schedule regular drills tailored to your environment and device type.
5. Take Compliance, Safety, and Support into Account
Your evacuation equipment should align with regulations:
- ADA & NFPA: Look for ADA-compliant devices and NFPA-approved sleds and chairs.
- Weight and Size Ratings: Ensure each product’s capacity matches your user groups.
- Post-sale support: Choose suppliers offering ongoing service, inspections, and replacement parts.
Need Help Choosing? We’re Here for You
Selecting the right evacuation tools doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Contact Advanced Egress Solutions for a personalized consultation and plan tailored to your facility type, population, and layout.
Browse our catalog for products matched to your needs:
People Also Ask
How often should evacuation chairs be inspected?
Manufacturers typically recommend inspecting evacuation devices every 6–12 months, and after any deployment, to ensure they remain in working condition.
Can one person operate a rescue sled on stairs?
Yes. Compact, stair-compatible sleds with low-friction soles are designed for single-operator use in emergencies.
Do evacuation devices expire?
Devices may require periodic maintenance and certification, but generally don’t expire. Check technical manuals and service guidelines regularly.