Healthcare Evacuation Planning

Progressive horizontal evacuation (PHE) is the strategy of moving residents horizontally from the fire-affected compartment to an adjacent safe compartment on the same floor, rather than attempting vertical evacuation via staircases. This approach, referenced in TGD-B 2024 and IS 3218:2024, is the recognised standard for healthcare buildings in Ireland because it avoids the significant risks associated with moving residents with limited mobility down stairways.

PHE is used in nursing homes because many residents have limited mobility, cognitive impairment, or dependence on medical equipment, making vertical evacuation via stairways extremely dangerous and time-consuming. By moving residents horizontally to an adjacent fire compartment separated by fire-resisting construction, PHE provides a place of relative safety while minimising the physical demands on both residents and care staff.

A compartment fire drill is a simulated fire scenario that tests the evacuation of one specific fire compartment in your facility. Staff practise moving residents from the affected compartment to the designated receiving compartment, following the progressive horizontal evacuation sequence. The drill is timed, observed, and documented, with a detailed report identifying strengths and areas for improvement.

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) are individual evacuation plans prepared for each resident based on their specific needs. Each PEEP documents the resident's mobility level, any cognitive or sensory impairments, medical equipment dependencies, the number of staff required for evacuation, the equipment to be used, and any special considerations such as behavioural responses to fire alarms.

HIQA expects a minimum of two fire drills per year in designated centres, and at least one of these should simulate night-time conditions with reduced staffing. However, best practice recommends quarterly drills, rotating through different compartments and shift patterns to ensure all staff gain practical experience. Each drill must be documented with a written report.

TagEvac is a visual communication system installed at each bedroom door that allows staff to quickly indicate the evacuation status of each room during an emergency. Using a simple colour-coded tag system, staff can immediately see which rooms have been checked and cleared, preventing rooms from being missed and enabling the fire warden to confirm that all residents have been accounted for.

Yes, we provide CPD Standards Office-certified fire warden training specifically tailored to healthcare settings. Training covers progressive horizontal evacuation procedures, compartment identification, the use of evacuation equipment such as ski sheets and evacuation chairs, fire extinguisher operation, alarm panel interpretation, and emergency communication protocols.

Our evacuation plans specifically address night-time scenarios, where staffing levels are at their lowest and residents are asleep. We calculate the time required to evacuate the largest compartment with minimum night staff, identify the critical actions each staff member must perform, and ensure that procedures are practised during night-time fire drills.

The evacuation strategy document includes the progressive horizontal evacuation sequence for each compartment, detailed compartment plans showing fire-resisting boundaries and doors, defined staff roles and responsibilities, an inventory of evacuation equipment and its locations, assembly point procedures, fire service liaison information, and procedures for both daytime and night-time evacuation scenarios.

Absolutely. We provide comprehensive HIQA inspection preparation, ensuring that your evacuation strategy documents, drill reports, PEEPs, staff training records, and fire safety management documentation are all in order and readily available for inspection. We can also conduct a pre-inspection review to identify and address any gaps.

Yes, Phoenix STS provides evacuation planning services to healthcare facilities in all 26 counties of Ireland, 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 comprehensive professional indemnity insurance. This provides you with the assurance that our evacuation planning advice and documentation are backed by appropriate financial protection.