Learn Life-Saving Skills with Evacuation Chair Training, Cork, Ireland

A fire alarm doesn’t give anyone time to think. When crowds surge towards exit routes, and stairwells fill with urgency, a single moment of hesitation can decide who gets out safely. For anyone with reduced mobility, that moment is even more critical.

According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO) Census 2022, about 22% of the population reported having at least one long-lasting condition or difficulty, i.e., some form of disability or long-term health issue. 

That means every workplace that invites people inside, like staff, students, visitors, or patients, has a responsibility to ensure they can all get out again.

This is where Evacuation Chair Training in Cork becomes more than a box-ticking exercise. It’s a life-saving skill.

The Role of Evacuation Chairs During Emergencies

When lifts shut down during a fire, evacuation chairs take over. These specialist devices allow trained personnel to move someone safely down staircases without physical strain or risk of falls. The chair isn’t the safety solution on its own — it’s the trained operator who makes it effective.

During the 9-11 attacks on the Twin Towers  in New York, one team successfully evacuated a man from the 96th floor to safety. Highlighting the importance of such equipment and having a team trained in its effective use. 

Without proper training, a workplace could have the right equipment, yet cannot use it when every second matters.

E O Sullivan Training Solutions: Building Real Capability, Not Comfort

What sets E O Sullivan Training Solutions apart is its emphasis on confidence under pressure. Instead of just talking through procedures, their trainers take participants into real stairwells, through corridors, and around genuine obstacles. Because that’s where emergencies actually unfold, not in a meeting room.

Their training gives teams the skills to:

• Respond quickly to mobility-related emergencies

• Handle evacuation chairs without causing strain or injury

• Secure and move passengers with dignity and support

• Navigate confined stairways and busy exit routes

• Communicate clearly under stress

It’s hands-on, memorable, and practical enough to stick even when adrenaline kicks in.

Who Benefits from Evacuation Chair Training, Cork?

Many organisations think evacuation training applies only to healthcare or corporate offices. In reality, any building with footfall needs people who know how to assist vulnerable occupants.

The training is particularly valuable for:

• Fire wardens and marshals

• Reception, security, and front-of-house teams

• Health and safety representatives

• Staff assigned to assist in emergencies

If your building has stairs and welcomes people, this training makes sense.

Customised for Your Building, Not a Standard Checklist

Every workplace has its own peculiarities, such as heavy doors, narrow hallways, steep staircases, or a high visitor turnover rate. E O Sullivan Training Solutions evaluates your layout and adapts its training around it. The result is a workforce that knows how to respond in your building, not just in theory.

Flexible options allow theory to be learned online, with practical training carried out onsite, minimising downtime and disruption.

Why More Organisations in Cork Are Investing in This Training

Evac+Chair International reports that 25% of organisations lack basic awareness of employees who may need mobility assistance, and a significant majority still do not fully understand their evacuation responsibilities.

The gap isn’t equipment, it’s training.

Forward-thinking organisations in Cork are closing that gap, recognising that:

✔ Skilled staff reduce evacuation time. ✔ Prepared teams protect brand trust and employee wellbeing. ✔ Safety is a responsibility of every person, not just the able-bodied

Good training protects reputations as much as it protects lives.

Ready to Build a Safer Workplace?

Panic, speculation, or good fortune are not necessary for evacuation. A team can react with authority, clarity, and respect for each person in the building if they receive the proper training.

A safer workplace begins with employees who understand what to do when it counts. To make this happen, E O Sullivan Training Solutions in Cork offers professional training to equip your staff with practical, life-saving evacuation skills. 

Are you still wondering how evacuation chair training fits into a modern workplace? 

These quick answers help clear it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

 Do we need evacuation chair training, Cork if our building already has lifts?

Yes. In high-risk situations like fires, lifts are usually shut down. Evacuation chairs provide a safe way to move people through stairwells, but they can only be used by staff who have received the required training.

Who is in charge of helping people who have limited mobility during an evacuation?

The building owner or employer must designate qualified personnel to assist with evacuation procedures. These individuals should get specialised training so they can use evacuation chairs confidently and safely.

Is evacuation chair training limited to the healthcare sector or large organisations?

Not at all. Every structure that has stairs, whether it be a public building, a store, a school, a hotel, an office, or an industrial site, should have staff members who are qualified to help people who can't leave on their own.

How long does evacuation chair training take?

Most courses, including hands-on practice, take only a few hours to complete. This ensures that staff are fully competent while minimising disruption to business operations.

Do participants need any previous safety training?

No prior experience is required. The course is designed for beginners and can supplement any existing fire safety or manual handling training in your organisation.

How often should the training be refreshed?

Refresher training is typically recommended every few years or whenever there are changes to the building layout, evacuation equipment, or assigned staff roles.

Will the training teach us how to support passengers in a respectful manner?

Yes. Professional providers prioritise not only physical techniques but also passenger dignity, communication, and reassurance, which are critical in stressful situations.