Emergencies don’t wait for ideal conditions, and neither should your facility. Whether you manage a hospital, school, or office building, having the right emergency evacuation devices on-site can mean the difference between a smooth, safe evacuation—and a preventable disaster.

As we move into 2025, safety managers are taking a proactive approach to preparedness, emphasizing inclusive, compliant, and easy-to-deploy evacuation tools. This guide outlines the top 10 must-have evacuation devices every facility should consider—and why they’re essential for your team and the people you serve.

Why It Matters: Compliance + Readiness

From the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to NFPA 101: Life Safety Code, facilities are legally and ethically responsible for ensuring every occupant can be evacuated safely—regardless of mobility level, weight, age, or cognitive ability.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, emergency plans must include “systems, equipment, and trained personnel capable of evacuating individuals with access and functional needs.”

Top 10 Emergency Evacuation Devices for 2025

Each device below plays a key role in maintaining a comprehensive, accessible emergency response plan. We’ve also included direct links to Advanced Egress Solutions product categories for your convenience.

1. Evacuation Chairs

Best for: Multistory buildings; staff or patients who cannot use stairs

Evacuation chairs enable a single staff member to assist individuals with limited mobility down stairwells safely. They’re compact, stair-compatible, and essential for ADA compliance.

2. Rescue Sleds

Best for: Horizontal or vertical movement of non-ambulatory individuals

These lightweight, low-friction sleds allow for quick transport through hallways or staircases, particularly useful in hospitals or schools.

3. Bariatric Evacuation Mats and Devices

Best for: Bariatric patients requiring extra support and high-weight capacity

Bariatric evacuation equipment ensures inclusivity during evacuations and reduces risk of injury to staff. Designed with reinforced materials and wider dimensions.

4. Patient Evacuation Mattresses

Best for: Hospitals, long-term care, or in-bed patients

Ideal for transporting patients who must remain lying down. They feature handles, safety straps, and fire-resistant materials for secure evacuation.

5. Infant Evacuation Devices

Best for: NICUs, pediatric wings, or daycare settings

Emergency baby movers and evacuation cribs allow staff to move multiple infants at once—quickly and safely.

6. Pediatric Rescue Tools

Best for: Schools, pediatric hospitals, child care centers

Evacuation devices built for children ensure smaller bodies are safely secured and supported during emergencies.

7. Medical Evacuation Stretchers

Best for: Emergency response teams and transport units

Designed for quick patient transfers in high-pressure situations. These stretchers are foldable, lightweight, and compatible with EMS protocols.

8. Evacuation Cribs

Best for: Daycares, hospitals with infant care units

These wheeled cribs are durable, easy to maneuver, and built to move several infants at once. An essential for fire and lockdown scenarios.

9. Emergency Communication & Transport Kits

Best for: Office buildings, schools, or remote care sites

Portable kits that include essential supplies and transport tools can be critical during chaotic evacuations.

10. Training Tools & Demo Units

Best for: Safety teams, facility managers, emergency response training

Many facilities fail to train staff on equipment use. Demo units and visual training tools ensure readiness when seconds count.

Evacuation Checklist by Facility Type

For Hospitals & Healthcare Facilities:

• Evacuation chairs (stair-compatible)
• Rescue sleds
• Bariatric evacuation mats
• Infant and pediatric evacuation devices
• Patient evacuation mattresses
• Emergency transport stretchers

For Schools & Childcare Centers:

• Pediatric rescue sleds
• Evacuation cribs or baby movers
• Evacuation chairs for staff
• Communication kits
• Staff training materials

For Offices & Commercial Buildings:

• Compact evacuation chairs
• Emergency evacuation sleds
• Communication & response kits
• ADA-compliant stair transport options
• Signage and staff instructions

Final Thoughts: Prepare Now for 2025

Emergency readiness isn’t optional—it’s part of your responsibility as a facility leader. Having the right emergency evacuation equipment in place ensures you can act quickly, comply with safety regulations, and protect every occupant in your care.

Whether you’re preparing a school, a hospital wing, or a multistory office building, Advanced Egress Solutions can help you build a compliant, reliable evacuation plan tailored to your needs.

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People Also Ask

1. What’s the most essential evacuation device for a hospital?

Evacuation chairs and patient evacuation mattresses are critical for moving non-ambulatory patients safely.

2. Do schools need infant evacuation devices?

Yes. Schools with infants or toddlers must have age-appropriate evacuation tools like emergency baby movers or evacuation cribs.

3. Are evacuation devices required by law?

While the law doesn’t always specify devices, facilities are required under ADA, OSHA, and NFPA 101 to ensure accessible, safe egress for all occupants—including those with disabilities.