Healthcare Evacuation Planning
Progressive Horizontal Evacuation - HIQA Regulation 28 - Compartment Fire Drills - BEng Fire Engineers - PI Insured
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Specialist Evacuation Planning for Irish Nursing Homes
Phoenix STS provides specialist evacuation planning for nursing homes and healthcare facilities across Ireland. Regulation 28 of S.I. No. 415 of 2013, made under the Health Act 2007, requires registered providers to keep effective fire safety management in place. That includes written evacuation procedures matched to the real needs of residents. In plain terms: if your procedures do not reflect residents who have limited mobility, dementia or medical equipment, HIQA can find your centre non-compliant. Our consultants hold BEng Fire Engineering qualifications. They develop progressive horizontal evacuation (PHE) strategies for your building. PHE means moving residents sideways into the next fire compartment rather than down the stairs. Each plan reflects your compartment layout, your staffing levels and your resident dependency profiles. Stair evacuation puts residents and staff at serious risk, so every plan treats it as a last resort.
Why Evacuation Planning Matters
HIQA Regulation 28
Regulation 28 of S.I. No. 415 of 2013 (Health Act 2007 - Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) covers fire precautions in designated centres. The registered provider must keep effective fire safety management in place, including written evacuation procedures. What this means for you: HIQA inspectors examine your evacuation strategy, drill records and PEEPs at every inspection.
Vulnerable Residents
Nursing home residents are among the most vulnerable people in any fire emergency. Many have reduced mobility, dementia or sensory disabilities. Others depend on oxygen therapy or medical equipment. We address each resident's needs through a tailored Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP).
Progressive Horizontal Evacuation
Progressive horizontal evacuation (PHE) is the recognised strategy for healthcare buildings in Ireland. It is referenced in TGD-B 2024 and IS 3218:2024. Instead of taking the whole building down the stairs, staff move residents sideways into the next fire compartment. Fire-resisting construction holds the fire back and gives residents a place of relative safety. This keeps the physical demands on residents and staff as low as possible.
Staff Preparedness
Good evacuation planning means every staff member knows exactly what to do in a fire. That includes agency and temporary staff. They learn the compartment boundaries and which residents need extra help. They also practise using fire doors and evacuation equipment, and communicating with colleagues and the fire service.
Night-time Evacuation
Night-time is the hardest scenario for any nursing home. Staffing is at its lowest and residents are asleep. Our plans deal with this directly. We check that your minimum night staff can evacuate the largest compartment within an acceptable time. We also set out clear steps for waking and moving residents safely.
Fire Service Coordination
A well-documented plan helps the fire service act fast when they arrive. Our plans set out the building layout, compartment boundaries, assembly points and the location of fire safety systems. With this information, fire crews can assess the situation quickly and put their resources where they are needed.
Our Evacuation Planning Services
Progressive Horizontal Evacuation Strategy
We produce a complete PHE strategy document for your facility. It identifies each fire compartment and sets the primary and secondary evacuation sequences. It defines staff roles and responsibilities during evacuation and lists the equipment required. The strategy is aligned with TGD-B 2024, IS 3218:2024 and HIQA Regulation 28.
Compartment Fire Evacuation Drills
We plan, run and observe compartment-based fire drills that simulate realistic fire scenarios. Drills cover both day and night shifts. Each drill report records evacuation times, staff performance and recommendations for improvement. HIQA expects at least two fire drills per year, including one that simulates night-time conditions.
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans
We prepare an individual PEEP for each resident based on their mobility, cognitive and medical needs. Each PEEP states the help required, the equipment to use and the number of staff needed. It also records special considerations such as oxygen dependency or how the resident reacts to alarms. PEEPs are reviewed whenever a resident's condition changes.
Fire Warden Training
We deliver CPD Standards Office-certified fire warden training built for healthcare settings. Training covers progressive horizontal evacuation and compartment identification. Staff practise with evacuation equipment, including ski sheets and evacuation chairs. The course also covers fire extinguisher operation and emergency communication.
TagEvac System Installation
TagEvac is a visual communication tool fitted at each bedroom door. During an evacuation it shows staff, at a glance, which rooms have been checked and cleared. This simple system stops rooms being missed. It is especially valuable at night, when fewer staff are on duty.
Progressive Horizontal Evacuation Strategy
We produce a complete PHE strategy document for your facility. It identifies each fire compartment and sets the primary and secondary evacuation sequences. It defines staff roles and responsibilities during evacuation and lists the equipment required. The strategy is aligned with TGD-B 2024, IS 3218:2024 and HIQA Regulation 28.
Compartment Fire Evacuation Drills
We plan, run and observe compartment-based fire drills that simulate realistic fire scenarios. Drills cover both day and night shifts. Each drill report records evacuation times, staff performance and recommendations for improvement. HIQA expects at least two fire drills per year, including one that simulates night-time conditions.
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans
We prepare an individual PEEP for each resident based on their mobility, cognitive and medical needs. Each PEEP states the help required, the equipment to use and the number of staff needed. It also records special considerations such as oxygen dependency or how the resident reacts to alarms. PEEPs are reviewed whenever a resident's condition changes.
Fire Warden Training
We deliver CPD Standards Office-certified fire warden training built for healthcare settings. Training covers progressive horizontal evacuation and compartment identification. Staff practise with evacuation equipment, including ski sheets and evacuation chairs. The course also covers fire extinguisher operation and emergency communication.
TagEvac System Installation
TagEvac is a visual communication tool fitted at each bedroom door. During an evacuation it shows staff, at a glance, which rooms have been checked and cleared. This simple system stops rooms being missed. It is especially valuable at night, when fewer staff are on duty.
What We Deliver
Evacuation Strategy Documents
A full evacuation strategy document for your facility. It details the progressive horizontal evacuation sequence for every compartment, with roles, responsibilities, equipment lists and assembly point procedures. The format is designed for quick reference during emergencies and HIQA inspections.
Drill Reports
A detailed report on each evacuation exercise. It records the scenario simulated, the evacuation times achieved, staff participation and the issues identified, with specific recommendations. These reports give you the documented evidence HIQA Regulation 28 requires.
PEEPs
An individual Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan for each resident. It states their mobility level, the help they need, the equipment to use, the number of staff required and any special considerations. Each PEEP is presented in a clear format for use during an emergency.
Fire Warden Training
CPD Standards Office-certified fire warden training delivered on-site at your facility. It covers progressive horizontal evacuation, compartment identification, evacuation equipment, fire extinguisher use and emergency communication. Each participant receives a CPD-accredited certificate valid for two years.
TagEvac System
Supply and installation of the TagEvac visual evacuation communication system. We fit tags to every bedroom door, train all staff in how the system works and integrate it with your evacuation strategy. The result is immediate visual confirmation of which rooms have been evacuated.
Evacuation Plan Drawings
Evacuation plan drawings that comply with ISO 23601:2021. They show escape routes, fire safety equipment, assembly points, compartment boundaries and 'You Are Here' markers. Our BEng-qualified draughtsmen produce the drawings for display throughout your facility.
Healthcare Facilities We Serve
Nursing Homes
Evacuation planning for private and voluntary nursing homes. Plans address progressive horizontal evacuation, night-time staffing and the needs of residents with dementia, reduced mobility or oxygen dependency.
Hospitals
Evacuation planning for hospital settings. This includes ward-level compartment strategies, theatre evacuation procedures and coordination with your existing major emergency plan and fire safety management system.
Disability Services
Tailored plans for residential and day services for people with intellectual or physical disabilities. Plans address individual evacuation needs, sensory considerations and how staff communicate with service users during an emergency.
Mental Health
Specialist evacuation planning for approved mental health centres. We address secure environments, locked ward procedures and residents who may resist or become distressed during evacuation.
Respite Care
Evacuation planning for respite care facilities. Resident populations change frequently, so we make sure a PEEP is prepared and shared with staff promptly for every new admission.
Day Care
Practical evacuation plans for day care centres. Plans account for the layout of activity areas and for transport arrival and departure times. Attendees can usually walk, but many still need assistance to evacuate.
Hospices
Sensitive planning for hospice settings. Plans protect life first while maintaining dignity and keeping distress to a minimum for residents receiving palliative and end-of-life care.
Designated Centres
Evacuation planning for all categories of designated centres registered with HIQA under the Health Act 2007. Plans support your Regulation 28 evidence and the National Standards expectations for fire safety management.
Our Process
From consultation to ongoing support.
Consultation
We start with a detailed discussion of your facility. We cover the layout, compartmentation, staffing levels, resident dependency profiles and your existing evacuation documents. We also review any concerns raised in previous HIQA inspections or fire drills.
Site Assessment
Our BEng-qualified consultants visit your facility. They assess fire compartmentation, means of escape, fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting and evacuation equipment. They also walk the routes residents must be moved through during an evacuation.
Strategy Development
We develop a progressive horizontal evacuation strategy tailored to your building. It defines the evacuation sequence for each compartment and sets staff roles and responsibilities. It lists the equipment required and covers both daytime and night-time scenarios.
Implementation
We support you in putting the strategy into practice. This includes on-site fire warden training, facilitated compartment fire drills and a PEEP for each resident. Where appropriate, we also install the TagEvac visual communication system.
Ongoing Support
We keep your plan current. This includes annual strategy reviews, further fire drills, PEEP updates when a resident's condition changes and preparation before HIQA inspections. The aim is continuous compliance with Regulation 28.
Consultation
We start with a detailed discussion of your facility. We cover the layout, compartmentation, staffing levels, resident dependency profiles and your existing evacuation documents. We also review any concerns raised in previous HIQA inspections or fire drills.
Site Assessment
Our BEng-qualified consultants visit your facility. They assess fire compartmentation, means of escape, fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting and evacuation equipment. They also walk the routes residents must be moved through during an evacuation.
Strategy Development
We develop a progressive horizontal evacuation strategy tailored to your building. It defines the evacuation sequence for each compartment and sets staff roles and responsibilities. It lists the equipment required and covers both daytime and night-time scenarios.
Implementation
We support you in putting the strategy into practice. This includes on-site fire warden training, facilitated compartment fire drills and a PEEP for each resident. Where appropriate, we also install the TagEvac visual communication system.
Ongoing Support
We keep your plan current. This includes annual strategy reviews, further fire drills, PEEP updates when a resident's condition changes and preparation before HIQA inspections. The aim is continuous compliance with Regulation 28.
Legislative Framework
Our evacuation planning services are delivered within the full framework of Irish fire safety legislation.
Why Choose Phoenix STS
HIQA Specialists
Around 60-65% of our clients are in the healthcare sector. That gives Phoenix STS deep experience in preparing facilities for HIQA inspection. We know what inspectors look for in fire safety management and evacuation preparedness.
BEng Engineers
BEng-qualified fire engineering consultants develop every strategy. They understand fire dynamics, compartment integrity and the engineering principles behind progressive horizontal evacuation in healthcare buildings.
CPD Provider
We are a CPD Standards Office-accredited training provider. Our certified fire warden and fire safety courses are recognised by HIQA and count towards staff continuing professional development.
25+ Years
Phoenix STS has over 25 years of experience and around 290 clients across Ireland. Hundreds of fire drills and HIQA inspection preparations inform our healthcare evacuation planning.
Nationwide
We provide evacuation planning to healthcare facilities in all 26 counties of Ireland. No facility is beyond our reach, regardless of location.
PI Insured
All our professional services carry professional indemnity insurance. Our evacuation planning advice is backed by appropriate financial protection.
Nationwide Evacuation Planning Services
Phoenix STS provides healthcare evacuation planning across all 26 counties of Ireland, including Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick.
Need evacuation planning for a workplace rather than a healthcare facility? See our general evacuation planning service.
Related Healthcare Fire Safety Services
Nursing Home Fire Risk Assessment
Fire risk assessments for nursing homes carried out in accordance with PAS 79-1:2020. Each assessment covers fire hazards, means of escape, fire detection, compartmentation and management procedures.
Fire Safety Consultancy
Expert fire safety consultancy for healthcare facilities. We provide ongoing guidance on fire safety management, compliance and the continuous improvement of fire safety standards.
Fire Safety Policies
Bespoke fire safety policies for nursing homes and designated centres. Policies cover fire safety management, emergency evacuation procedures, fire prevention and staff training requirements.
Evacuation Plan Drawings
Evacuation plan drawings compliant with ISO 23601:2021, produced by our BEng-qualified draughtsmen. Drawings show escape routes, fire equipment locations, assembly points and compartment boundaries.
Fire Door Inspections
Certified fire door inspections in accordance with BS 8214:2026. We check installation, maintenance, ironmongery, intumescent seals and signage so your fire doors perform as intended in a fire.
Compliance Packages
Complete packages combining fire risk assessment, evacuation planning, fire safety policies, staff training and ongoing consultancy. One joined-up approach to fire safety management for your facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about evacuation planning. Content last reviewed: June 2026.
Progressive horizontal evacuation means moving residents out of the affected compartment to a safe area on the same floor. Staff only use the stairs if the fire spreads further. It is central to most healthcare fire strategies.
Many residents cannot use stairs quickly or safely. Moving them sideways into a protected compartment next door is faster and safer. It also gives staff time to manage equipment and plan further evacuation if the fire spreads.
A compartment fire drill simulates a fire in one specific compartment of your facility. Staff practise moving residents from that compartment to the designated receiving compartment. The drill follows the progressive horizontal evacuation sequence. It is timed, observed and documented, and the report identifies strengths and areas to improve.
A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) is an individual evacuation plan for one resident. It records their mobility level and any cognitive or sensory impairments. It also covers medical equipment, the number of staff required, the equipment to use and any special considerations, such as how the resident responds to alarms.
HIQA expects at least two fire drills per year in designated centres. At least one should simulate night-time conditions with reduced staffing. Best practice is quarterly drills, rotating through different compartments and shift patterns. Every drill must be documented with a written report.
TagEvac is a visual communication system fitted at each bedroom door. Staff flip a colour-coded tag to show the evacuation status of each room. Everyone can see at a glance which rooms have been checked and cleared. This stops rooms being missed and lets the fire warden confirm all residents are accounted for.
Yes. We provide CPD Standards Office-certified fire warden training tailored to healthcare settings. It covers progressive horizontal evacuation, compartment identification and evacuation equipment such as ski sheets and evacuation chairs. It also covers fire extinguisher operation, alarm panel interpretation and emergency communication.
Our plans deal with night-time scenarios directly, when staffing is lowest and residents are asleep. We calculate how long your minimum night staff need to evacuate the largest compartment. We identify the critical actions for each staff member. We then make sure these procedures are practised in night-time fire drills.
The strategy document sets out the evacuation sequence, compartment plans, staff roles, equipment locations and assembly arrangements. It also covers fire service liaison and procedures for residents who need extra help.
Yes. We review evacuation strategy documents, drill reports, PEEPs, training records and fire safety management evidence. Any gaps can then be addressed before inspection.
Yes. We provide evacuation planning to healthcare facilities in all 26 counties from our offices in Longford, Sligo and Dublin. We serve nursing homes, hospitals, disability services and all other designated centres nationwide.
Yes. All our professional services are covered by professional indemnity insurance. Our evacuation planning advice and documentation are backed by appropriate financial protection.
Protect Your Residents with Expert Evacuation Planning
Our BEng fire engineers develop practical, HIQA-aligned evacuation plans for nursing homes across Ireland.