Course Overview
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. Designed for senior healthcare and safety professionals, this intensive 4-day programme develops your competence to meet and exceed statutory duties under Irish law.
This is a specialist course with a focus on equipping participants to deliver training on three types of evacuation equipment: sheets, pads, and mats. The course provides limited information on adult training methodology and delivery; it is strongly recommended that participants are comfortable speaking to groups and delivering training before attending. Graduates become certified instructors, fully qualified to deliver accredited in-house training on the complete Hospital Aids SKI range.
Broader Instructor Competence
While this course certifies you to deliver training specifically on the Hospital Aids SKI range, the core purpose is to develop your competence as a Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructor. The skills, knowledge, and assessment techniques you acquire are transferable across the evacuation equipment sector.
Upon completion, you will have the ability to:
- Assess the suitability of evacuation equipment for specific patient needs and building configurations
- Evaluate evacuation devices from any manufacturer against objective safety and performance criteria
- Apply instructional techniques and safety protocols to broader equipment ranges
- Identify training requirements and develop competency frameworks for evacuation equipment
Important: Training delivery on equipment outside the Hospital Aids range remains subject to the respective manufacturer’s authorisation requirements and any applicable restrictions. This course equips you with the foundational competence; manufacturer-specific authorisation may be required for certain product ranges.
💡 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.
Ireland’s Sole Manufacturer-Authorised Training Provider
Hospital Aids, the manufacturer of the SKI range of emergency evacuation equipment, has formally designated Phoenix STS as its sole authorised distributor and training partner for the Island of Ireland. This includes exclusive authority to deliver the accredited Train-the-Trainer programme.
Why Manufacturer Authorisation Matters
Legal Compliance
The Fire Services Act 1981 and Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 require adequate staff training on evacuation equipment.
Warranty Protection
Training from unauthorised providers may void product warranties on life-safety equipment.
Liability Reduction
Using unapproved training methods could expose your organisation to liability under the EU Product Liability Directive.
Quality Assurance
Only authorised training meets Hospital Aids’ standards for safe equipment deployment.
Transferable Skills
Develop instructor competence applicable to assessing and evaluating evacuation equipment across the sector.
Equipment Assessment
Gain the expertise to objectively assess any evacuation device against safety, suitability, and performance criteria.
By choosing Phoenix STS, you partner with the only organisation in Ireland certified by the equipment manufacturer to ensure your training is compliant, correct, and upholds the integrity of your life-saving equipment.
Why Choose This Course
Selecting the right evacuation equipment instructor training is essential for building your competence and professional credibility.
Manufacturer-Authorised Certification
The only Train-the-Trainer programme in Ireland authorised by Hospital Aids. Your certification carries the weight of manufacturer endorsement.
CPD-Certified Training
Approved by the CPD Standards Office (Provider Number: 22657), providing 26 hours of recognised Continuing Professional Development credit.
Comprehensive Equipment Coverage
Master the complete Hospital Aids SKI range, from standard evacuation sheets and pads (up to 160 kg) to specialist bariatric mats (up to 350 kg).
Hands-On Practical Focus
Approximately 70% practical training using actual evacuation equipment and training manikins. Develop real-world competence through supervised drills.
Expert Healthcare-Focused Instructors
Learn from tutors with 25+ years of fire safety experience in healthcare settings, holding degrees in Fire Engineering and professional body memberships.
Small Class Sizes
Maximum 8 participants ensures personalised coaching, effective peer practice sessions, and meaningful feedback during practical assessments.
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for professionals responsible for emergency preparedness, staff training, or regulatory compliance in healthcare settings.
Healthcare Management
- Directors of Nursing and Assistant Directors
- Clinical Nurse Managers (CNM1, CNM2, CNM3)
- Persons in Charge (PICs) of Designated Centres
- Care Home Managers and Deputy Managers
Safety and Compliance
- Health and Safety Officers
- Fire Safety Managers
- Risk Managers
- Quality and Compliance Officers
Training and Development
- In-house Training Coordinators
- Manual Handling Instructors
- External Fire Safety Training Providers
- Clinical Educators
Facilities and Operations
- Facilities Managers
- Maintenance Supervisors
- Hospital Portering Managers
- Estates Officers
Note
A minimum of 6 learners is required to complete the bariatric training module (Day 3). People Moving and Handling certification is a prerequisite.
What You’ll Learn
The course combines essential theory with extensive practical application across four intensive days.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, 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 equipment from being deployed
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 delegating 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
Assess equipment suitability: Objectively evaluate evacuation devices from any manufacturer against safety, performance, and suitability criteria for specific patient populations and building configurations
Training Delivery on Other Equipment Ranges
This course certifies you to deliver training on the Hospital Aids SKI range. While you will develop transferable competence to assess and evaluate equipment from other manufacturers, formal training delivery on non-Hospital Aids products remains subject to the respective manufacturer’s authorisation requirements and restrictions.
Benefits of Completing This Course
Professional Development
- Gain 26 CPD hours from a recognised provider
- Achieve manufacturer-endorsed instructor certification
- Develop specialist expertise for career advancement
- Build confidence in evacuation instruction
Organisational Compliance
- Meet statutory training obligations under Irish law
- Satisfy HIQA Regulation 28 requirements
- Protect equipment warranties
- Reduce organisational liability
Operational Efficiency
- Establish in-house training capability
- Reduce ongoing external training costs
- Train staff flexibly around operations
- Create internal safety champions
Transferable Competence
- Assess any evacuation equipment objectively
- Evaluate devices against patient needs
- Apply instructor skills across equipment types
- Advise on equipment procurement decisions
Course Details
Prerequisites
- People Moving and Handling Certification: Valid certification required before attending
- Training Delivery Experience: Strongly recommended that participants are comfortable speaking to groups and delivering training
- English Language Proficiency: Fluency essential for full engagement with course material
- Appropriate Attire: Clothing that allows free movement during practical sessions
- Medical Disclosure: Disclosure of any conditions that could make physical activities unsafe (treated confidentially)
Delivery Format
- Daily Schedule: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (1.5 hours breaks)
- Delivery Mode: On-site at your premises
- Maximum Learners: 8
- Minimum for Bariatric Module: 6 learners
Training Area Requirements
Suitable training areas in line with current health and safety guidelines. Equipment on-site: profiling beds with bed linen. Bedrooms for evacuation training should be as close as possible to a lift and stairwell.
Equipment Covered
You will gain competence in the complete Hospital Aids SKI range. Throughout the course, participants will be required to deliver segments of an evacuation equipment training session to their peers during each practice session. This hands-on teaching practice ensures you develop confidence and competence in instructing others before returning to your facility.
| Equipment | Primary Use | SWL | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ski Sheet | Evacuation on existing mattress | 120 kg (2 people) | Slides under mattress, low-friction base |
| Ski Pad | Bed-to-device transfer for stair descent | 120 kg (2 people) | 5 cm foam padding, secure foot pocket |
| Ski Sled | Challenging environments | 120 kg (2 people) | 3 cm padding, durable nylon |
| Evac E-Pad | Lightweight general-use evacuation | 120 kg (2 people) | Low-friction vinyl, plastic buckles |
| Ski Slide Pad | Combination device with slide sheet | 120 kg (2 people) | Integrated slide sheet, 2.5 cm padding |
| AlbacMat (Large) | Stretcher-style cocoon device | 120 kg (2 people) | Internal board, foil blanket, Velcro straps |
| Ski Evacuation Mat | Intermediate difficult evacuations | 120 kg (2 people) | Flame-retardant PVC, colour-coded straps |
| Medi-Mat | Intermediate for larger persons | 160 kg (3 people) | Flame-retardant PVC, polyethylene base |
| Bariatric Evacuation Mat | Specialist bariatric evacuation | 350 kg (6-12 people) | Extra width/length, ladder-style handles |
Certification
You Will Receive
- ✓ Phoenix STS Instructor Certificate accredited 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
Refresher training recommended before certification expires to maintain competence and stay current with equipment and regulatory updates.
Training on Other Evacuation Equipment
This certification authorises you to deliver training on the Hospital Aids SKI range. However, you will also develop transferable instructor competence, including the ability to objectively assess evacuation equipment from any manufacturer against safety, performance, and suitability criteria. Should you wish to deliver formal training on products from other manufacturers, you may do so where the respective manufacturer permits this or does not require specific authorisation. Always verify manufacturer requirements before delivering training on non-Hospital Aids equipment.
Our Instructors
Our instructors bring extensive experience in healthcare fire safety and emergency management. They hold memberships with leading professional bodies:
With degrees in Fire Engineering and expertise in adult education, our instructors are passionate about turning complex regulations into practical steps you can apply immediately.
Instructor Qualifications
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. Combined, they bring over 100 years of practical fire safety experience across healthcare, residential care, and hospital settings. All instructors are qualified People Moving and Handling Instructors, Evacuation Equipment Instructors, and hold qualifications in Infection Control and Safeguarding Adults.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualification do I receive?
Can I train on other manufacturers’ equipment?
Why must training be manufacturer-authorised?
How long is my certification valid?
What is the maximum class size?
Can you deliver training at our premises?
Do I need prior experience?
How does this help with HIQA compliance?
Can I assess equipment from other manufacturers?
Can I train staff at multiple facilities?
Ready to Become a Certified Instructor?
Develop your competence as a Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructor with Ireland’s only manufacturer-authorised Train-the-Trainer course.
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Page last updated: February 2026
