A Closer Look at Evacuation Sledges, Mats & Pads: Features, Benefits, and Best Practices
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
When it comes to evacuating individuals from a building during an emergency, there are several options available. One of the most effective methods is the use of evacuation sledges, which are also known as evacuation mats or pads. These specially designed devices are built to slide easily over various surfaces, allowing for a quick and safe transfer of people who may have mobility issues or other health concerns. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at evacuation sledges, exploring their key features and benefits, as well as outlining some best practices for their use.
Whether you’re a healthcare professional, building manager, or simply someone interested in emergency preparedness, understanding the ins and outs of evacuation sledges can help you better protect the safety and well-being of those in your care. So, let’s dive in and discover what makes these devices such an important tool in emergency evacuations.
Table of contents
- What are the benefits of using an evacuation sledge?
- Types of Evacuation Sledges, Mats & Pads
- Key features to look for in an evacuation sledge
- Best practices for using an evacuation sledge
- How to choose the right evacuation sledge for your needs
- Maintenance and Upkeep Considerations
- Training and certification for evacuation sledge use
- Common mistakes to avoid when using an evacuation mat
- Conclusion
- Related links
What are the benefits of using an evacuation sledge?
Evacuation sledges offer several benefits over other methods of emergency evacuation. First and foremost, they are designed to be easy to use, even in high-stress situations. The sledges are built to slide smoothly over various surfaces, including stairs, making it easier to move individuals quickly and safely out of a building. Additionally, evacuation sledges are designed to be lightweight and portable, making them easy to store and transport.
Another benefit of evacuation sledges is that they can transport individuals of all ages and abilities. Whether someone has a mobility issue or is simply unable to walk due to an injury or other health concern, an evacuation sledge can be a safe and effective way to evacuate them from a building. Evacuation sledges can also reduce the risk of injury to both the individual being evacuated and the person performing the evacuation.
Types of Evacuation Sledges, Mats & Pads
There are several types of evacuation sledges available on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. One of the most common types is this generic Evacuation Sledge, which is designed to be lightweight and portable, making it easy to store and transport. It’s also built to be durable and long-lasting, with a weight capacity of 2.6 tonnes (2600kg/409 stone).
Another popular type of evacuation sledge is the evacuation sheet, which is permanently fitted under a patients mattress. Designed to be used in conjunction with a standard foam mattress, the evacuation sheet enables the patient to be cocooned within the mattress and evacuated in a safe manner. The silicone base makes evacuation both swift and smooth, with the sheet secured by straps around the mattress and user to ensure safety. This is a suitable option for patients who have absolutely no mobility, allowing their safe evacuation in an emergency.
Key features to look for in an evacuation sledge
When choosing an evacuation sledge, there are several key features to look for. First and foremost, the sledge should be built with high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting.
For sledges that will be used repeatedly in damaging/course conditions, look for sledges that are made from materials such as aluminium or steel, which are both strong and lightweight. For occasional use sledges that will be only be used to evacuate patients in an emergency, sledges that are made from lightweight materials with silicone bases will be your preferred choice. Also consider their size and where you will store them when they’re not in use.
Another important feature to look for is weight capacity. Make sure the sledge you choose can support the weight of the individual being evacuated, as well as any necessary medical equipment or supplies. Additionally, look for sledges that are easy to use and manoeuvre, with handles or straps that make it easy to move the sledge over various surfaces.
Best practices for using an evacuation sledge
Using an evacuation sledge requires proper training and preparation. Here are some best practices to keep in mind when using an evacuation sledge:
- Ensure that the individual being evacuated is securely placed on the sledge, with proper restraints in place to prevent them from falling out/off during transport.
- Make sure the sledge is properly positioned for safe transport, with the handles or straps in the correct position for easy manoeuvring. Whether you maintain long or short straps will depend on which end of the sledge you’re manoeuvring and whether you’re going along a corridor, off a bed or down stairs.
- Communicate clearly with the individual being evacuated, letting them know what to expect during the evacuation process. Being strapped into something and then being dragged along the floor while fire alarms are sounding and flashing if going to be unnerving at best for the passenger.
- Regular practice drills and training sessions are necessary to ensure that everyone involved in the evacuation process is prepared and familiar with the use of the evacuation sledge. This will have a deleterious effect on the sledge, so inspection and maintenance regimes are a must.
How to choose the right evacuation sledge for your needs
Choosing the right evacuation sledge depends on a variety of factors. These include the size and weight of the individual being evacuated, the type of surfaces the sledge will be used on, and the specific needs of your organisation.
Key factors to consider when choosing an evacuation sledge include weight capacity, ease of use, and portability.
Additionally, consider the specific needs of your organisation when choosing an evacuation sledge. For example, if you work in a healthcare setting, you may need a sledge that is designed to safely transport individuals with medical equipment or supplies.
Maintenance and Upkeep Considerations
Officially, evacuation sledges/mats/pads are not recognised as a Class 1 Medical Device (Medical Devices Directive (93/42/EEC)). So unlike evacuation chairs, regular maintenance by a qualified service engineer is not required. That said, regular inspections remain essential to ensure that the sledge is in good condition and ready to use in an emergency as required by the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).
Training and certification for evacuation sledge use
Proper training and certification are essential for the safe and effective use of evacuation sledges. At Chris Garland Training we offer both evacuation mat user training and a “train-the-trainer” course for those looking to bring their colleagues training in-house.
Additionally, organisations should develop and implement regular training and drill programs. These will ensure that all staff members are familiar with the use of evacuation sledges and are prepared to respond in emergency situations. This is also requirement of the UK Government Guidance document, “Fire safety risk assessment: means of escape for disabled people (single document, including appendices)” which can be found here alongside other related documents.
Common mistakes to avoid when using an evacuation mat
When using an evacuation sledge, there are several common mistakes to avoid. One of the most common mistakes is failing to properly secure the individual being evacuated to the sledge. This can obviously result in injury or even death.
Another common mistake is failing to properly position the sledge for safe transport. Not doing this can make it difficult to manoeuvre or cause injury to the individual being evacuated. To avoid these and other common mistakes, it’s important to receive proper training and to follow best practices for the use of evacuation sledges.
Conclusion
Evacuation sledges are an important tool in emergency preparedness, helping to ensure the safe and efficient evacuation of individuals with mobility issues or other health concerns. When choosing an evacuation sledge, it’s important to consider factors such as weight capacity, ease of use, and portability. Additionally, proper training and certification are essential for the safe and effective use of evacuation sledges.
This is where we at Chris Garland training can help, as we offer a range of evacuation equipment training courses including our evacuation sledge Train the Trainer course alongside our evacuation sledge user course. Get in touch if you have a specific requirement not listed on our course page and we will do all we can to accommodate your requirements.
By following best practices and avoiding common mistakes, organisations can better protect the safety and well-being of those in their care during emergency situations. By taking all these factors into consideration, you can choose the right evacuation sledge for your situation and ensure the safety of everyone involved.
