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.
Develop In-House Evacuation Training Capability
Equip your team with manufacturer-authorised instructor certification. This 4-day on-site programme is delivered at your facility — contact us to arrange training for your organisation. Subsidised training may be available through LHP Skillnet for private healthcare sector employees.
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.
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.
Equipment Covered
This course covers the complete Hospital Aids SKI range, from standard evacuation sheets and pads to specialist bariatric mats:
Light-Load Equipment (up to 160 kg)
- Ski Sheet — Evacuation on existing mattress (120 kg SWL, 2 operators). Slides under mattress with low-friction base
- Ski Pad — Bed-to-device transfer for stair descent (120 kg SWL, 2 operators). 5 cm foam padding with secure foot pocket
- Ski Sled — Challenging environments (120 kg SWL, 2 operators). 3 cm padding, durable nylon construction
- Evac E-Pad — Lightweight general-use evacuation (120 kg SWL, 2 operators). Low-friction vinyl with plastic buckles
- Ski Slide Pad — Combination device with integrated slide sheet (120 kg SWL, 2 operators). 2.5 cm padding
- AlbacMat (Large) — Stretcher-style cocoon device (120 kg SWL, 2 operators). Internal board, foil blanket, Velcro straps
- Ski Evacuation Mat — Intermediate difficult evacuations (120 kg SWL, 2 operators). Flame-retardant PVC, colour-coded straps
Bariatric Equipment (up to 350 kg)
- Medi-Mat — Intermediate for larger persons (160 kg SWL, 3 operators). Flame-retardant PVC, polyethylene base
- Bariatric Evacuation Mat — Specialist bariatric evacuation (350 kg SWL, 6–12 operators). Extra width/length, ladder-style handles
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. Manufacturer authorisation is critical because:
- Training from unauthorised providers may void product warranties on life-safety equipment
- Unapproved training methods may not meet the manufacturer’s safety standards for equipment deployment
- Liability exposure increases if staff are trained by uncertified instructors on certified equipment
- Only manufacturer-authorised training ensures instructors learn the correct techniques validated by Hospital Aids
Phoenix STS is formally designated as the sole authorised distributor and training partner for the Island of Ireland by Hospital Aids, the manufacturer of the SKI range of emergency evacuation equipment.
Transferable Skills
While certifying for Hospital Aids SKI range specifically, the course develops transferable competence across the evacuation equipment sector. You will learn to objectively assess equipment from any manufacturer against safety, performance, and suitability criteria for specific patient populations and building configurations.
Training delivery on equipment outside the Hospital Aids range remains subject to the respective manufacturer’s authorisation requirements.
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.
What’s Included
Your course fee includes everything you need to become a certified evacuation equipment instructor:
- Phoenix STS Instructor Certificate — Authorised by Hospital Aids, valid for 5 years
- CPD Certificate — 26 hours accredited by the CPD Standards Office (Provider No. 22657)
- Manufacturer endorsement to deliver in-house training on the complete Hospital Aids SKI evacuation equipment range
- All evacuation equipment and training manikins provided by Phoenix STS for the duration of the course
- Printed and digital course materials including inspection checklists, assessment forms, and training record templates
- Post-course instructor support — email access to the Phoenix STS training team for guidance on equipment queries and training delivery
- Renewal reminder service — automatic notification six months before your certification expires
- Equipment assessment methodology — transferable skills to evaluate any manufacturer’s evacuation devices objectively
- PEEP templates — Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan templates for integration into your facility’s fire safety management system
What You’ll Learn
Upon successful completion of this 4-day programme, you will be able to:
- Explain the legal framework: Articulate statutory duties under the Fire Services Act 1981, Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, and HIQA Regulation 28 as they apply to evacuation equipment training
- Conduct equipment inspections: Perform and document pre-use and post-use inspections of evacuation sheets, mats, and pads, identifying faults that would prevent safe deployment
- Demonstrate safe evacuation techniques: Safely and efficiently use each evacuation device on level surfaces and stairways, meeting the performance criteria in the course skills checklist
- Assess evacuation requirements: Evaluate a vulnerable person and their environment to select the most appropriate evacuation equipment for their needs
- Deliver effective instruction: Coach novice learners through practical drills, providing clear corrective feedback and reinforcing safe techniques
- Certify staff competence: Sign off on delegated competence using the standard assessment form and maintain training records for audit purposes
- Integrate PEEPs: Draft or update Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans that incorporate chosen equipment, staffing requirements, and maintenance schedules. See our healthcare evacuation planning service for expert support
- Assess equipment suitability: Objectively evaluate evacuation devices from any manufacturer against safety, performance, and suitability criteria for specific patient populations and building configurations
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.
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.
Operational Efficiency
Establish in-house training capability and reduce ongoing external training costs. Train staff flexibly around shift patterns and operational demands. Create internal safety champions who drive continuous improvement.
Transferable Competence
Assess any evacuation equipment objectively against safety and performance criteria. Evaluate devices against specific patient needs and building configurations. Apply instructor skills across equipment types and advise on equipment procurement decisions.
Course Details
Duration & Format
- 4 days total duration (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily, with 1.5 hours breaks)
- 70% practical, 30% theory
- Delivered on-site at your facility
- Maximum 8 participants per course
- Minimum 6 learners required for bariatric module
- 26 CPD hours (CPD Standards Office Provider No. 22657)
Training Area Requirements
- Suitable training areas per government guidelines
- Profiling beds with linen and bedrooms near lift/stairwell
- Access to a lift and stairwell for practical exercises
- Phoenix STS supplies all evacuation equipment and training manikins
Prerequisites
To attend this course, participants must meet the following requirements:
- Valid People Moving and Handling certification required
- Training delivery experience strongly recommended
- English language proficiency essential
- Appropriate attire allowing free movement
- Medical disclosure required for safety
Certification & Instructors
You Will Receive
- Phoenix STS Instructor Certificate (authorised by Hospital Aids)
- CPD Certificate (26 hours, CPD Standards Office)
- Manufacturer endorsement to deliver in-house training on the complete SKI range
- 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, with qualifications in Infection Control and Safeguarding Adults. They hold memberships with leading professional bodies including NAHFO, IFE, IOSH, IIESMS, IIRSM, IHEEM, L&DI, and NFPA.
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.
Places are limited to 8 per course. Secure your place today to avoid disappointment. Contact us for current rates and group discounts — we respond within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Content last reviewed: March 2026. This page is regularly updated to reflect changes in Irish, UK, and EU legislation and standards.
You receive a Phoenix STS Instructor Certificate accredited by Hospital Aids (valid for 5 years) and a CPD Certificate for 26 hours from the CPD Standards Office . Both are internationally recognised qualifications demonstrating your competence to deliver in-house evacuation equipment training.
This course certifies you to deliver training on the Hospital Aids SKI range. You will develop transferable instructor competence and the ability to assess equipment suitability across manufacturers. However, formal training delivery on non-Hospital Aids products remains subject to the respective manufacturer’s authorisation requirements.
Hospital Aids requires authorised training to ensure correct, safe use of their life-safety products. Unauthorised training may void product warranties, expose your organisation to liability, and fail to meet the manufacturer’s standards for equipment deployment.
Your certificate is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. You will receive a reminder six months before expiry. Refresher training is recommended before certification expires to maintain competence and stay current with any equipment or regulatory updates.
Classes are limited to 8 participants maximum to ensure personalised coaching, effective peer practice sessions, and meaningful feedback during practical assessments. A minimum of 6 learners is required to complete the bariatric training module.
Yes. This course is delivered on-site at your facility. You will need to provide suitable training areas, profiling beds with linen, and access to a lift and stairwell for practical exercises. We supply all evacuation equipment and training manikins. Contact us to arrange a date.
You must hold a valid People Moving and Handling certification before attending. It is strongly recommended that participants are comfortable speaking to groups and delivering training, as this specialist course provides limited information on adult training methodology. The focus is on equipping you to deliver training on three types of evacuation equipment: sheets, pads, and mats.
HIQA Regulation 28 requires designated centres to have adequate arrangements for evacuating residents. Having certified in-house instructors ensures your staff are properly trained on evacuation equipment, demonstrating compliance during inspections. See our nursing home fire safety compliance services for further support.
Yes. A key learning outcome is developing the competence to objectively assess any evacuation device against safety, performance, and suitability criteria. This transferable skill applies regardless of manufacturer, enabling you to advise on equipment selection and procurement.
Yes. Once certified, you can deliver accredited in-house training on the complete SKI range at any facility within your organisation. This makes the course particularly valuable for nursing home groups, hospital networks, and disability service providers operating multiple sites.
Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructor Course
- Duration: 4 days (26 CPD hours)
- Certification: 5-year instructor certificate
- Equipment: Ski sheets, pads, mats (including bariatric)
- Max Class Size: 8 participants
- Focus: Train-the-Trainer — certifies you to deliver in-house training
- Ideal For: Senior healthcare and safety professionals, in-house training coordinators
- Delivery: On-site at your facility
- Prerequisite: People Moving and Handling certification
Evacuation Chair Instructors Course
- Duration: 2 days
- Certification: 3-year instructor certificate
- Equipment: Evacuation chairs (stairway descent)
- Max Class Size: 12 participants
- Focus: Train-the-Trainer — certifies you to deliver in-house evacuation chair training
- Ideal For: Fire wardens, safety officers, facilities managers
- Delivery: On-site at your facility
- Prerequisite: None
Need both? Many organisations combine evacuation equipment and evacuation chair training for comprehensive emergency preparedness.
Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructor Training Nationwide
Phoenix STS delivers the Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructor Course on-site at healthcare facilities across Ireland. Our training team travels to your premises, eliminating the need for staff to travel off-site and minimising disruption to your operations.
We regularly deliver this course in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford, Kilkenny, Athlone, Sligo, Dundalk, Longford, and all counties across Ireland. Whether you operate a single nursing home or manage a multi-site healthcare group, we bring the training to you.
This course is particularly valuable for organisations with multiple facilities, as certified instructors can deliver training at any site within their organisation, significantly reducing ongoing external training costs.
Contact us to discuss scheduling and availability for your location.
Related Courses & Services
Explore our other evacuation and fire safety training courses and consultancy services:
- Evacuation Chair Instructors Course — 2-day Train-the-Trainer programme for evacuation chair equipment
- Evacuation Chair Training Course — Practical training for all staff on safe evacuation chair use
- People Moving & Handling Course — Required prerequisite covering safe manual handling techniques
- Nursing Home Fire Safety Training — Comprehensive fire safety training for residential care staff
- Healthcare Evacuation Planning — Expert evacuation planning consultancy including PEEP development
- Nursing Home PAS 79-1 Fire Risk Assessment — Specialist fire risk assessments meeting HIQA and fire authority requirements
Looking for a fire risk assessment or fire warden training? Phoenix STS provides a full range of fire safety services across Ireland.
Why Choose Phoenix STS
Over 15 Years’ Experience
Trusted by 500+ organisations across Ireland. Our team brings over 100 years combined practical fire safety experience across healthcare, residential care, and hospital settings.
100% Irish-Owned
Phoenix STS is a proudly Irish-owned company based in Longford, serving clients nationwide. We understand the Irish regulatory landscape, HIQA requirements, and local healthcare sector needs.
Qualified Experts
Our instructors hold Fire Engineering degrees, environmental health qualifications, and specialist evacuation equipment certifications. ISO 45001 and ISO 9001 certified for quality and safety management.