Evacuation Chair Instructors Course

About This Course

The Evacuation Chair Instructors Course from Phoenix STS is a CPD-certified train-the-trainer programme that qualifies you to deliver evacuation chair training in-house. Practical, hands-on learning with 5-year certification. On-site delivery across Ireland.

Phoenix STS is the only company in Ireland authorised to deliver train-the-trainer courses on the Elite Emergency Evacuation Chair. The Evacuation Chair Instructors Course qualifies you to train colleagues in the safe operation of evacuation chairs. Rather than relying on external trainers each time staff need training, you can build this capability within your own organisation.

This train-the-trainer programme combines theory with extensive hands-on practice. You’ll learn correct operating techniques, understand the relevant legislation, and develop the instructional skills needed to deliver effective training sessions. By the end of the day, you’ll be ready to train others confidently and competently.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is designed for individuals who will take responsibility for training others to operate evacuation chairs. The programme is suitable for all building types.

• The course covers four core areas, balancing technical knowledge with practical instructional skills.
• Understanding the equipment is the foundation of effective instruction. You’ll learn about different chair types, their design features, weight capacities, and appropriate applications. This module covers how evacuation chairs work, what makes them safe, and how to select the right chair for different building configurations.
• The practical core of the course. You’ll master pre-use safety checks, passenger loading and securing techniques, braking system operation, and manoeuvring on stairs and level surfaces. Emphasis is placed on manual handling principles that protect both operator and passenger from injury.
• Evacuation chairs operate within a broader emergency context. You’ll learn to assess risks before and during evacuations, integrate chair procedures with building evacuation plans, and handle contingencies such as blocked routes or equipment issues.
• Knowing how to operate a chair is different from knowing how to teach others. This module develops your ability to deliver engaging training sessions, demonstrate techniques effectively, assess trainee competency, and provide constructive feedback. You’ll practice delivering a mock training session and receive feedback from our instructors.
• Upon completing the course, you will be able to:
• Completing the Evacuation Chair Instructors Course delivers benefits for both you and your organisation.
• To attend this instructor course, you must have:
• Please wear comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement for practical exercises. If you have any medical conditions that could affect your participation in physical activities, please let us know in advance.
• Assessment on the Evacuation Chair Instructors Course is continuous throughout the day:
• Refresher training is recommended every five years to maintain certification.
• Note: Participants who assist during practical exercises will also receive certification as trained evacuation chair operators.
• Our instructors are experienced fire safety and training professionals with over 25 years of real-world experience. They hold memberships with recognised professional bodies:
• All instructors are qualified People Moving and Handling Instructors and Evacuation Equipment Instructors. They complete manufacturer-approved refresher training every three years and hold a minimum of Technician (T.IIESMS) recognition with the Institute of Industrial Engineers and Safety Management Systems.
• We use a blended approach to maximise learning:
• Covering legislation, equipment types, and procedural frameworks in an engaging, accessible format.
• Our instructors demonstrate correct techniques before you practice, so you know exactly what good looks like.
• Extensive practice with evacuation chairs and training manikins to build muscle memory and confidence.
• You design and deliver training to your peers, receiving constructive feedback on your instructional technique.
• Sharing experiences and addressing questions throughout the day in a supportive learning environment.
• In addition to on-site delivery at your premises, we run scheduled public courses throughout the year. These are ideal if you have one or two staff members to train and prefer not to arrange dedicated on-site training.
• Public courses are held throughout Ireland, including at our training centre in Longford, and follow the same CPD-certified programme as our on-site delivery. You’ll train alongside participants from other organisations, which often provides valuable opportunities to share experiences and learn from different workplace contexts.
• Book individual places without needing to fill a full course.
• Plan ahead with scheduled course dates for easier coordination.
• Meet safety professionals from other organisations and share experiences.
• Identical course content and certification as on-site delivery.