Evacuation Chair Training: What You Need to Know Before You Start

Edwin O Sullivan
Oct 16
4 min read

Emergencies can happen at any time. Moving individuals who are unable to use stairs safely is crucial in multi-story buildings like workplaces, hospitals, and schools. In this case, evacuation chairs are helpful. Having a chair alone is insufficient; you also need to be trained to use an evacuation chair.

With E. O. Sullivan Training Solutions, this blog will cover everything you need to know before starting your evacuation chair training. Think of it as a practical guide that prepares you without being overly strict.

What is an Evacuation Chair?

Let's define an evacuation chair before we begin training.Imagine a lightweight chair that is specially designed to allow one person to safely carry someone down stairs in an emergency.. Unlike wheelchairs, evacuation chairs are made to be quick, stable, and controlled.

Among the salient characteristics are:

Compact design: easy to store in corridors or near staircases.
Tracks or wheels: to glide down stairs smoothly.
Safety belts: to secure the person being evacuated.
Durability: can handle different weights safely.

You don’t need to be a fitness guru to operate one—but you do need proper training.

Why Evacuation Chair Training Matters

You might wonder, “Can’t anyone just use the chair?” Here’s the truth: improper use can be dangerous for both the person in the chair and the person operating it. Training helps you:

Avoid injuries: E. O. Sullivan Training Solutions points out that improper technique might lead to falls or back pain.
Not only this, gain self-assurance because knowing what to do in an emergency lessens anxiety.
One key point to note is,observe safety rules; many places of employment demand that employees be trained.
Evacuation times can be accelerated; Let’s not forget, practice makes perfect.

Consider it similar to learning how to drive a car. Technically, you could drive without any instruction, but would you feel comfortable handling traffic safely? That confidence comes from training.

What to Expect in Evacuation Chair Training

Evacuation chair training isn’t complicated. Courses usually combine short theory sessions with hands-on practice. Here’s a typical outline:

Introduction to the equipment
- Understanding parts of the chair
- Safety features and limits
Step-by-step evacuation techniques
- How to transfer a person safely into the chair
- Proper positioning of the chair on stairs
- Using belts and handles correctly
Practical exercises
- Going up and down stairs with a volunteer or dummy
- Navigating tight spaces or corners

Emergency scenarios
- Simulated evacuations
- Handling unexpected situations like someone panicking

Maintenance and checks
- Inspecting the chair before use
- Knowing when to report damage

E O Sullivan Training Solutions points out that many courses are just a few hours long, but the hands-on practice is what really sticks.

Tips for a Successful Evacuation Chair Training Experience

Do you wish to get the most out of your session? Keep in mind these guidelines:

You will be bending and moving, so wear comfortable clothing.
Ask questions; trainers expect them and no question is too small.
Practice frequently; even after training, a few refreshers might be beneficial.
If two persons are required, practice collaborating as a team.
Remain composed: Although crises might be stressful, training can help you remain composed.

In real-life scenarios, even a few minutes of preparation can have a significant impact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It's easy to fall into bad habits, even with training. Be wary of:

Hurrying the process: safety comes first, but speed is important.
Not fastening belts: The chair's occupant needs to be steady.
Ignoring chair inspections: a small mechanical issue can become dangerous.
Not practicing on stairs: flat-floor practice isn’t enough.

By being aware of these pitfalls, you’ll be better prepared when it counts.

Wrapping Up: Your Next Steps

Although evacuation chair training may initially seem daunting, it is simple, useful, and extremely beneficial. You can prevent injuries and save lives with the skills and confidence you acquire.

Comparable to wearing a seatbelt, you'll be happy it's there when you need it but hope you never have to use it in an emergency.

If training hasn't been planned at your place of employment yet, think about starting. Plan a hands-on workshop and invite coworkers to attend. Any evacuation will proceed more smoothly if you are more comfortable using the chair.

Are you prepared to increase your emergency preparedness? Make an appointment with E. O. Sullivan Training Solutions for your evacuation chair training by getting in touch with a qualified training provider right now. Your future self will appreciate it, as would everybody who depends on you.

Don’t wait for an emergency to find out you’re unprepared. Contact E O Sullivan Training Solutions to learn more and book your evacuation chair training today!