Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructor Course
Ireland's sole manufacturer-authorised Train-the-Trainer programme for Hospital Aids SKI evacuation equipment. A 4-day intensive course for senior healthcare and safety professionals.
Course Overview
This intensive 4-day programme develops competence to meet statutory duties under Irish law as an evacuation equipment instructor. It is Ireland's sole manufacturer-authorised Train-the-Trainer programme for Hospital Aids SKI evacuation equipment. The course focuses on three evacuation equipment categories: sheets, pads, and mats, covering the complete Hospital Aids SKI range from standard equipment (up to 160 kg) to specialist bariatric mats (up to 350 kg). With approximately 70% practical content, graduates gain the skills and manufacturer endorsement to deliver accredited in-house evacuation equipment training at any facility within their organisation.
Why Choose This Course
The only manufacturer-authorised evacuation equipment instructor programme in Ireland, delivering comprehensive certification with real-world practical skills.
Manufacturer-Authorised
The only Train-the-Trainer programme in Ireland authorised by Hospital Aids. Your certification carries the weight of manufacturer endorsement for the complete SKI range.
26 Hours CPD-Certified
Approved by the CPD Standards Office (Provider Number: 22657) for 26 hours of recognised Continuing Professional Development credit.
Comprehensive Coverage
Master the complete Hospital Aids SKI range from standard sheets and pads (up to 160 kg) to specialist bariatric mats (up to 350 kg).
70% Hands-On Training
Predominantly practical training using actual evacuation equipment and training manikins for real-world competence development.
Expert Instructors
Learn from tutors with 25+ years fire safety healthcare experience, holding Fire Engineering degrees and professional body memberships.
Small Class Sizes
Maximum 8 participants ensures personalised coaching, effective peer practice, and meaningful feedback during assessments.
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for senior healthcare and safety professionals responsible for staff training and emergency preparedness.
Healthcare Management
Directors of Nursing, Assistant Directors, Clinical Nurse Managers (CNM1-3), Persons in Charge, and Care Home Managers.
Safety & Compliance
Health and Safety Officers, Fire Safety Managers, Risk Managers, and Quality and Compliance Officers.
Training & Development
In-house Training Coordinators, Manual Handling Instructors, External Fire Safety Training Providers, and Clinical Educators.
Facilities & Operations
Facilities Managers, Maintenance Supervisors, Hospital Portering Managers, and Estates Officers.
4-Day Programme Structure
A progressive training programme building from fundamentals through to assessment and certification.
Fundamentals & Light-Load
Legal framework, device introduction (Ski Sheets, Pads, Evac E-Pads), inspection protocols, level-surface evacuation drills, and bed-to-device transfers for equipment up to 160 kg.
Light-Load Mastery
Horizontal corridor evacuation, stairway descent techniques, complex scenarios (doorways, tight turns, obstacles), assisted-evacuation coaching, and peer teaching practice.
Bariatric Equipment
Bariatric mat features, dynamic risk assessment, team coordination (6-12 person techniques), level-surface drills, bed-to-mat transfers, and peer teaching practice for equipment up to 350 kg.
Integration & Assessment
PEEP integration, audit documentation, practical skills assessment (light-load and bariatric), instructional competency assessment, and development planning.
Fundamentals & Light-Load
Legal framework, device introduction (Ski Sheets, Pads, Evac E-Pads), inspection protocols, level-surface evacuation drills, and bed-to-device transfers for equipment up to 160 kg.
Light-Load Mastery
Horizontal corridor evacuation, stairway descent techniques, complex scenarios (doorways, tight turns, obstacles), assisted-evacuation coaching, and peer teaching practice.
Bariatric Equipment
Bariatric mat features, dynamic risk assessment, team coordination (6-12 person techniques), level-surface drills, bed-to-mat transfers, and peer teaching practice for equipment up to 350 kg.
Integration & Assessment
PEEP integration, audit documentation, practical skills assessment (light-load and bariatric), instructional competency assessment, and development planning.
Why Manufacturer Authorisation Matters
The Fire Services Act 1981 and Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 require adequate staff training on evacuation equipment. Choosing manufacturer-authorised training is critical for several reasons:
- Training from unauthorised providers may void product warranties on life-safety equipment
- Unapproved training methods could expose organisations to liability under the EU Product Liability Directive
- Only authorised training meets Hospital Aids' standards for safe equipment deployment
- HIQA Regulation 28 requires designated centres to have adequate evacuation arrangements with properly trained staff
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, you will be able to: - Articulate statutory duties under relevant Irish legislation - Perform and document equipment inspections to manufacturer standards - Safely use evacuation devices on level surfaces and stairways - Assess evacuation requirements for vulnerable persons - Coach learners through practical drills with corrective feedback - Certify staff competence using standard assessment forms - Draft or update Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) - Objectively evaluate evacuation devices against safety criteria
Benefits of Completing This Course
This certification delivers value for your career, your organisation, and the residents in your care.
Professional Development
Gain a manufacturer-endorsed instructor qualification valid for 5 years. 26 CPD hours for professional development records. Develop transferable instructor competence applicable across the evacuation equipment sector.
Organisational Compliance
Demonstrable HIQA Regulation 28 compliance. Meet legal obligations under the Health Act 2007 and Fire Services Act. Reduce reliance on external training providers. Deliver accredited training at multiple facilities within your organisation.
Equipment Covered
Light-Load Equipment (up to 160 kg)
- Ski Sheet (120 kg SWL, 2 operators)
- Ski Pad (120 kg SWL, 2 operators)
- Ski Sled (120 kg SWL, 2 operators)
- Evac E-Pad (120 kg SWL, 2 operators)
- Ski Slide Pad (120 kg SWL, 2 operators)
- AlbacMat Large (120 kg SWL, 2 operators)
- Ski Evacuation Mat (120 kg SWL, 2 operators)
Bariatric Equipment (up to 350 kg)
- Medi-Mat (160 kg SWL, 3 operators)
- Bariatric Evacuation Mat (350 kg SWL, 6-12 operators)
Transferable Skills
While certifying for Hospital Aids SKI range specifically, the course develops transferable competence across the evacuation equipment sector. Graduates can assess equipment suitability for specific patient needs and building configurations, evaluate devices from any manufacturer against objective safety criteria, and apply instructional techniques to broader equipment ranges.
Training delivery on equipment outside the Hospital Aids range remains subject to the respective manufacturer's authorisation requirements.
Course Details
Duration & Format
- 4 days total duration (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily)
- 70% practical, 30% theory
- Delivered on-site at your facility
- Maximum 8 participants per class
- Minimum 6 learners for bariatric module
Training Area Requirements
- Suitable training areas per government guidelines
- Profiling beds with linen and bedrooms near lift/stairwell
- All evacuation equipment and training manikins provided by Phoenix STS
Prerequisites
To attend this course, participants must meet the following requirements:
- Valid People Moving and Handling certification
- Comfortable delivering group training (strongly recommended)
- English language fluency
- Appropriate attire allowing freedom of movement
- Medical disclosure of conditions affecting physical activities
Certification
Graduates receive:
- Phoenix STS Instructor Certificate (authorised by Hospital Aids)
- CPD Certificate (26 hours, CPD Standards Office)
- Manufacturer endorsement for in-house SKI training delivery
- Renewal reminder service six months before expiry
Certificate valid for 5 years. Refresher training recommended before expiry to maintain competence and stay current with equipment and regulatory updates.
Our Instructors
Our training team holds qualifications including BEng Fire Engineering, BSc Environmental Health and Safety Management, H.Dip in Occupational Health and Safety, and FETAC Level 6 Train the Trainer. With over 100 years combined practical fire safety experience across healthcare, residential care, and hospital settings.
All instructors are qualified People Moving and Handling Instructors and Evacuation Equipment Instructors. They hold memberships with leading professional bodies including NAHFO, IFE, IOSH, IIESMS, IIRSM, IHEEM, L&DI, and NFPA. They are Infection Control and Safeguarding Adults qualified.
What Our Graduates Say
Hear from healthcare professionals who have completed our manufacturer-authorised instructor programme.
“The 4-day programme was incredibly thorough. Being able to deliver manufacturer-authorised training in-house has been invaluable for our nursing home group. We no longer depend on external providers for annual refresher training.”
Aoife D.
Director of Nursing
“The bariatric module alone was worth the investment. Our team now handles complex evacuations with confidence. The peer teaching practice really prepared me to deliver training effectively to my colleagues.”
Patrick C.
Fire Safety Manager
“As a manual handling instructor, adding evacuation equipment to my skill set was a natural fit. The small class size meant I got genuine hands-on time and personalised feedback throughout the 4 days.”
Sinead R.
Manual Handling Instructor
Ready to Become a Certified Instructor?
Get in touch with our team to arrange the manufacturer-authorised Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructor Course at your facility. Subsidised training may be available through LHP Skillnet for private healthcare sector employees.
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People Moving & Handling
Required prerequisite course covering safe techniques for moving and handling residents in healthcare settings.
