The Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructor Course is Ireland’s only manufacturer-authorised train-the-trainer programme for the Hospital Aids “SKI” range of evacuation equipment. This intensive 4-day programme qualifies you to deliver accredited in-house training on evacuation sheets, mats, and pads, building a self-sufficient emergency preparedness culture within your healthcare facility.
This hands-on course aligns with HIQA regulations, ensuring adherence to the highest training standards for designated centres. Phoenix STS is the sole authorised distributor and training partner for Hospital Aids on the Island of Ireland.
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💡 Subsidised Training Available
Employees in the private healthcare sector may be eligible for subsidised training through Leading Healthcare Providers (LHP) Skillnet. Contact us for details
Why Manufacturer-Authorised Training Matters
Choosing a training provider for life-saving equipment is a critical risk management decision with significant legal and operational consequences. Irish law imposes clear duties on healthcare premises management regarding evacuation equipment and staff training.
Important: Hospital Aids has stipulated that only authorised training is acceptable for their “SKI” branded equipment. Unauthorised training may void warranties, increase liability, and expose organisations to legal risk.
Legal Framework
The Fire Services Act 1981 (as amended 2003) mandates that persons in control of premises take “all reasonable measures” to safeguard occupants, including adequate evacuation equipment and comprehensive staff training. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 requires employers to provide sufficient information, instruction, and supervision to ensure employees can safely operate all work equipment.
Risks of Unauthorised Training
- Voided warranties – The manufacturer may void product warranties on essential life-safety equipment if used with unauthorised training methods
- Increased liability – Using unapproved training methods could expose operators and employers to significant liability under the EU Product Liability Directive 85/374/EEC
- Trademark infringement – Organisations offering unauthorised “SKI” training may engage in misleading practices under the Consumer Protection Act 2007
Phoenix STS Authorisation: As the sole authorised distributor and training partner for Hospital Aids on the Island of Ireland, Phoenix STS provides unparalleled assurance that your training is compliant, correct, and upholds the integrity of your life-saving equipment.
Course Aims
This course empowers instructors with the expertise to train healthcare staff across disability services, residential care facilities, and hospitals to safely and effectively use evacuation equipment, ensuring compliance with HIQA regulations.
- Build a sound grasp of statutory and professional duties governing evacuee evacuation and staff training
- Equip delegates to instruct healthcare staff in the safe selection, inspection, and use of evacuation sheets, mats, and pads
- Enable delegates to assess vulnerable persons and their environment to choose the most suitable evacuation equipment
- Develop practical demonstration, coaching, and feedback techniques to promote safe practice and competence
- Foster a culture of ongoing skills maintenance, auditing, and continuous improvement in healthcare evacuation planning
Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructor Course Objectives
Upon completion, learners will be able to:
- Explain the statutory framework (Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005, Fire Services Act 1981, General Application Regulations) and professional guidance governing evacuation and staff training
- Conduct ward/unit-level risk assessments matching person dependency, building constraints, and staffing levels with appropriate evacuation aids
- Perform and record pre-use inspections of evacuation sheets, mats, and pads, identifying faults that would prevent equipment from service
- Demonstrate safe, efficient use of each aid on level surfaces and stairways, meeting performance criteria in the course skills checklist
- Coach novice learners through practical drills, giving clear corrective feedback and reinforcing safe techniques
- Sign off on delegate competence using standard assessment forms and maintain training records for audit purposes
- Draft or update Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs), integrating chosen equipment, staffing, and maintenance schedules
- Evaluate training effectiveness and propose actions for continuous improvement in healthcare evacuation planning
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for individuals responsible for training healthcare staff to use evacuation equipment safely and effectively. Ideal participants include:
- Health and safety officers
- Fire safety managers
- Senior healthcare staff (nurses, care managers)
- External fire safety training providers
- Facilities managers in healthcare settings
- Person In Charge (PIC) and Persons Participating in Management (PPIM)
Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructor Course Programme
Day 1: Fundamentals & Light-Load Equipment (≤160 kg)
- Legal framework and statutory duties
- Safety rules and device introduction
- Hands-on: device inspection and fault-finding
- Pre-use inspection procedures
- Level-surface drags and bed removal with sheets/mats
- Post-use inspection
Day 2: Light-Load Mastery (≤160 kg)
- Daily safety-check recap
- Horizontal and stair drills with sheets/mats
- Assisted-evacuation coaching drills
- Complex scenarios (doorways, tight turns)
- Class delivery practice (light-load equipment)
- Post-use inspection
Day 3: Bariatric Equipment (≥160 kg)
- Daily safety-check recap
- Bariatric-mat features and dynamic risk assessment
- Level-surface drags and bed removal with mats
- Class delivery practice (bariatric equipment)
- Post-use inspection
Day 4: Integration & Assessment
- Daily safety-check recap
- PEEP integration workshop and audit documentation
- Practical skills assessment (light and bariatric aids)
- Instructor feedback and certification
Evacuation Equipment Covered on the Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructor Course
| Equipment | Primary Use | Safe Working Load |
|---|---|---|
| Ski Sheet | Lightweight, economical evacuation pad | 120 kg (2 people) |
| Ski Pad | Padded device for stair descent | 120 kg (2 people) |
| Ski Sled | Robust pad for challenging environments | 120 kg (2 people) |
| Evac E-Pad | Lightweight economical evacuation pad | 120 kg (2 people) |
| Ski Slide Pad | Combination device with built-in slide sheet | 120 kg (2 people) |
| AlbacMat (Large) | Flexible stretcher-style device | 120 kg (2 people) |
| Ski Evacuation Mat | Intermediate device for difficult evacuations | 120 kg (2 people) |
| Medi-Mat | Intermediate device for larger evacuees | 160 kg (3 people) |
| Bariatric Evacuation Mat | Specialised for bariatric evacuees | Lightweight, economical evacuation pad |
Benefits of the Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructor Course
CPD & Manufacturer-Authorised Certification
Receive CPD-certified training recognised by the CPD Standards Office (UK) and the only certification in Ireland officially accredited by Hospital Aids, ensuring your training meets both professional development and manufacturer standards.
In-House Training Capability
Reduce reliance on external trainers by building internal capacity to deliver ongoing evacuation equipment training to your staff.
Regulatory Compliance
Meet your statutory duties under the Fire Services Act, Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, and HIQA Regulation 28 requirements.
Enhanced Safety Culture
Improve patient and staff safety during emergencies by ensuring your team can respond effectively and efficiently during evacuations.
Professional Development
Add a valuable specialist qualification to your CV, demonstrating commitment to healthcare safety and opening career advancement opportunities.
Cost-Effective Solution
Long-term savings through in-house training delivery, plus maintained equipment warranties through proper authorised training.
Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructor Course Details
Prerequisites
- People Moving and Handling certification – Valid certification required before commencing (see our People Moving & Handling Course)
- English language proficiency – Fluency in spoken and written English is required for effective communication
- Appropriate attire – Clothing allowing free movement during practical sessions
- Medical disclosure – Confidential disclosure of any conditions affecting participation in physical activities
Training Area Requirements
Facilities hosting the course must provide:
- Suitable training areas in line with current health and safety guidelines
- Profiling beds with bed linen for practical exercises
- Training rooms close to the lift and stairwell access for manikin movement
Training Methods
- Classroom presentations – Structured delivery of legislative frameworks, evacuation planning, and equipment overviews
- Hands-on demonstrations – Practical sessions handling and operating evacuation equipment
- Mock training sessions – Simulated scenarios with peer and instructor feedback
- Training manikins – Ruth Lee manikins for realistic, safe practice
Assessment
Assessment is continuous throughout the 4-day programme and includes:
- Practical skills evaluation – Proficiency in handling and operating evacuation equipment with emphasis on safety protocols
- Instructional competency assessment – Design and delivery of a mock training session demonstrating teaching ability
- Peer and instructor feedback – Constructive feedback during exercises to identify strengths and improvement areas
Certification
Upon successful completion, learners receive a Phoenix STS Training certificate valid for 5 years. This course is CPD-certified by the CPD Standards Office (UK) and accredited by Hospital Aids as part of its manufacturer-authorised training programme. Refresher training is recommended every 5 years to maintain competency.
Our Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructors
Our instructors are experienced in providing fire safety training in healthcare settings. They hold memberships with professional bodies, including:
- NAHFO (National Association of Healthcare Fire Officers)
- IFE (Institution of Fire Engineers)
- IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health)
- IIESMS (Irish Institute of Emergency and Safety Management Services)
- IIRSM (International Institute of Risk and Safety Management)
- IHEEM (Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estate Management)
- L&DI (Learning & Development Institute)
All instructors are qualified People Moving and Handling and Evacuation Equipment Instructors, with additional qualifications in Infection Control and Safeguarding Adults.
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Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructor Course FAQs
Hospital Aids has designated Phoenix STS as the sole authorised training provider in Ireland because proper training is essential for the equipment to function safely and effectively. Unauthorised training may void warranties, increase organisational liability, and fail to meet statutory requirements under the Fire Services Act and Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act.
You receive a Phoenix STS Training certificate valid for 5 years. The course is CPD-certified by the CPD Standards Office (UK) and accredited by Hospital Aids as part of its manufacturer-authorised training programme. This certification authorises you to deliver in-house evacuation equipment training within your organisation using the SKI range of products.
The course accommodates 6–10 learners. A minimum of 6 learners is required to complete the bariatric training module effectively. This class size enables optimal hands-on practice and peer training exercises.
Yes, a valid People Moving and Handling certification is a prerequisite. This ensures learners have the foundational skills to safely move individuals, which is essential for effective evacuation procedures. We offer the People Moving & Handling Course if you need this certification.
The course covers the complete Hospital Aids “SKI” range, including Ski Sheets, Ski Pads, Ski Sledges, Evac E-Pads, Ski Slide Pads, AlbacMats, Ski Evacuation Mats, Medi-Mats, and Bariatric Evacuation Mats. You’ll learn selection criteria, inspection procedures, and safe operation for each device.
This course is delivered on-site at your facility. Your premises must provide suitable training areas, profiling beds with linen, and proximity to lifts and stairwells for practical exercises. This ensures training is contextualised to your specific environment.
The course aligns with HIQA regulations for designated centres, particularly Regulation 28 (Fire Precautions). Having certified in-house instructors demonstrates your organisation’s commitment to emergency preparedness and ensures staff training meets regulatory standards.
This course specifically certifies you to train on the Hospital Aids “SKI” product range. While core evacuation principles apply broadly, manufacturer-specific training ensures you deliver instruction that maintains equipment warranties and meets authorisation requirements.
Inadequate training can lead to slower evacuation times, increased risk of injury to patients and staff, potential equipment damage, and regulatory non-compliance. In the event of an incident, organisations may face increased liability if staff training doesn’t meet statutory requirements.
Refresher training is recommended every 5 years to maintain instructor certification. However, instructors should maintain their practical skills through regular training delivery and stay up to date on any equipment or procedural changes from the manufacturer.
Related Services
- People Moving & Handling Course – Prerequisite certification for this course
- Evacuation Planning – Develop comprehensive emergency evacuation procedures
- Fire Safety Consultancy – Expert guidance on fire safety compliance
- Designated CentreFire Safety Managers Course – Comprehensive fire safety management training
- Evacuation Equipment – Purchase SKI evacuation sheets, mats, and pads
Page last updated: January 2026
