Evacuation Equipment Training Course
100% practical, hands-on training in the safe operation of Ski Evacuation Sheets and Ski Pads for nursing home clinical staff. This intensive skills-based programme builds the muscle memory and confidence needed for emergency evacuations. Compliant with HIQA Regulation 28 and the Fire Safety Handbook. On-site delivery with 1-year certification.
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🏆 Ireland’s Only Authorised Provider
Phoenix STS is the only company authorised in Ireland to deliver train-the-trainer courses on the full range of “Ski” evacuation products and the Elite Emergency Evacuation Chair. This exclusive authorisation ensures your staff receive training from recognised experts.
Course Overview
The Evacuation Equipment Training Course from Phoenix STS is a 100% practical, hands-on programme designed for clinical staff responsible for evacuating residents during emergencies. This intensive skills-based training teaches staff to safely and efficiently operate evacuation aids, including Ski Evacuation Sheets and Ski Pads.
Evacuation Equipment Training Course service details from Phoenix STS.
Every minute of this course is hands-on. Staff gain real experience operating evacuation equipment in controlled conditions, building the muscle memory and confidence needed for emergency situations when every second counts.
Why Choose This Course
🎯 100% Practical Training
Every minute is hands-on. Staff gain real experience operating evacuation equipment, building muscle memory and confidence for emergencies.
📅 Flexible Scheduling
Choose morning sessions (up to 30 staff), afternoon sessions (up to 20 staff), or full-day training (up to 50 staff) to minimise care schedule disruption.
🛠️ Equipment Provided
All training uses Phoenix STS equipment, including rescue manikins. Your facility’s evacuation aids stay undamaged and ready for emergencies.
👥 Small Group Sizes
Maximum 10 learners per session ensures every participant receives adequate hands-on practice time with each piece of equipment.
🎓 Expert Instructors
Learn from qualified People Moving Instructors and Evacuation Aid Instructors with specialist expertise in residential care settings.
✅ HIQA Regulation 28 Compliant
Training content aligns with HIQA’s Fire Safety Handbook and Regulation 28 requirements for evacuation competency.
Who Should Attend
This course is designed specifically for clinical staff who assist residents during emergency evacuations as part of the Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP):
👩⚕️ Healthcare Assistants
👨⚕️ Nurses (All Grades)
📋 Clinical Nurse Managers
🤝 Care Assistants
👔 Senior Care Workers
🌙 Night Staff
What You’ll Learn
This 100% practical course focuses entirely on hands-on skills development. Each session combines demonstration with supervised practice using rescue training manikins.
Equipment Introduction & Safety
- Introduction to evacuation aids at your facility
- Description, purpose, and limitations of each device
- Safety considerations before, during, and after use
- Equipment inspection and maintenance checks
- Storage requirements and accessibility
Ski Evacuation Sheet Training
- Correct positioning and securing of residents
- Safe transfer techniques from bed to sheet
- Horizontal evacuation along corridors
- Controlled descent down staircases
- Two-person and single-person operation
Ski Pad Training
- Appropriate use cases for ski pads
- Rapid deployment techniques
- Safe manoeuvring over different floor surfaces
- Integration with progressive horizontal evacuation
Practical Assessment
- Supervised practice with rescue manikins
- Demonstration of safe evacuation to place of safety
- Feedback and technique correction
- Confirmation of competency
Skills You’ll Master
By the end of this course, participants will have developed practical competency in operating evacuation equipment:
Skills mastered on the Evacuation Equipment Training Course.
🛏️ Ski Sheet Operation
Competent operation of Ski Evacuation Sheets including positioning, securing, and safe movement of residents.
🚶 Horizontal Evacuation
Safe movement of residents along corridors and through fire doors to places of relative safety.
🪜 Stair Descent
Controlled descent techniques for moving residents down staircases safely when vertical evacuation is required.
👥 Team Coordination
Effective communication and coordination with colleagues during two-person evacuation procedures.
⚡ Rapid Deployment
Quick and efficient deployment of evacuation equipment under time pressure.
🛡️ Safety Protocols
Adherence to safety protocols throughout the evacuation process to protect both residents and staff.
Benefits of This Course
🛡️ For Resident Safety
Faster Evacuation Times
Staff trained in equipment operation can evacuate residents more quickly, reducing exposure to smoke and fire.
Reduced Risk of Injury
Correct technique minimises risk of injury to both residents and staff during evacuation procedures.
Confident Emergency Response
Practical training builds muscle memory and confidence, enabling calm and effective action under pressure.
📋 For HIQA Compliance
Demonstrable Staff Competency
Training records provide evidence that staff can operate evacuation equipment as required by Regulation 28.
Supports Evacuation Drills
Equipment-trained staff can participate meaningfully in compartment drills, demonstrating realistic evacuation capability.
Fire Safety Handbook Alignment
Training content reflects HIQA’s Fire Safety Handbook guidance on evacuation competency.
🏢 For Your Organisation
High Training Throughput
Full-day sessions can train up to 50 staff, maximising value and minimising scheduling complexity.
Equipment Protection
Training uses Phoenix STS equipment, keeping your evacuation aids undamaged and available for emergencies.
Flexible Scheduling
Morning, afternoon, or full-day options accommodate different staffing patterns and operational needs.
Course Details
Training Schedule Options
| Option | Time | Sessions | Max Staff Trained |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning Only | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 3 sessions | 30 staff |
| Afternoon Only | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 2 sessions | 20 staff |
| Full Day | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | 5 sessions | 50 staff |
Note: Afternoon sessions are limited to 2 groups (compared to 3 in the morning) to allow adequate time for equipment preparation, participant briefing, and instructor debriefing between sessions.
Pre-Course Requirements
Before Attending
- People Moving certification: A valid certification in people moving and handling is required (essential pre-requisite)
- English language proficiency: Ability to understand, speak, read, and write in English
- Medical disclosure: Confidential disclosure of conditions affecting participation in practical modules
- Appropriate attire: Comfortable clothing allowing free movement during practical sessions
Facility Requirements
Training Space
- Profiling bed with bed linen for transfer practice
- Access to corridors for horizontal evacuation practice
- Access to staircases for descent practice
- Suitable training area with adequate space
Multi-Storey Buildings
- Training area should be near the lift and stairwell
- Access to representative staircase
- Clear corridor access for practice
- Adequate lighting in training areas
Certification
Your Certification
Upon successful completion, participants receive a Phoenix STS Training Certificate confirming competency in evacuation equipment operation.
Annual refresher training is required per HIQA guidelines. Assessment is by practical demonstration of safe evacuation using a rescue training manikin.
Our Instructors
Our instructors bring extensive fire safety experience in healthcare settings. All are qualified People Moving Instructors and Evacuation Aid Instructors with specialist expertise in residential care settings. They hold memberships with leading professional bodies:
Our instructors combine theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring participants gain skills they can use immediately.
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Page last updated: January 2026