Our comprehensive Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructors Course is designed to cater to professionals across various healthcare settings, including disability services, residential care facilities, and hospitals. This hands-on programme aligns with the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) regulations, ensuring adherence to the highest training standards. As an authorised training provider, we specialise in equipping learners with the necessary skills to instruct healthcare staff on the safe and effective use of evacuation equipment, a critical component of emergency preparedness in diverse healthcare environments. Our experienced trainers, with proven competency and extensive experience within healthcare settings, deliver practical and relevant instruction, ensuring learners are thoroughly prepared and confident in their roles.

Leading manufacturers authorise us to provide this training, including Hospital Aids, a specialist UK manufacturer and supplier of emergency evacuation equipment and training services, established in 1981, and Exitmaster, industry experts with over 25 years of experience in manufacturing innovative evacuation chairs designed to offer enhanced comfort and safety for both operators and passengers. This authorisation ensures that our course content is aligned with the latest advancements and best practices in the use of evacuation equipment, providing learners with up-to-date and manufacturer-approved training.

Course Relevance within Healthcare

Our Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructors Course is designed to assist healthcare professionals across various sectors—including disability services, residential care facilities, and hospitals—in meeting the stringent safety and compliance standards the HIQA sets. Aligned with the Health Act 2007 and the National Standards for Residential Services for Children and Adults with Disabilities, as well as the National Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland, this programme ensures that instructors are well-versed in the regulatory requirements governing diverse healthcare environments. Learners will acquire in-depth knowledge and practical skills for achieving and maintaining compliance with HIQA regulations. Upon completion, learners will be equipped to effectively train healthcare staff, ensuring they can use life safety equipment and enhance overall emergency preparedness within their facilities.

Benefits of the Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructors Course

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of healthcare evacuation equipment and best practices. The course will thoroughly equip you with the knowledge and practical skills to confidently use and instruct others on various evacuation equipment commonly found in healthcare settings.
• Become a proficient and certified instructor. You’ll be trained to a high standard, enabling you to deliver practical and engaging training sessions within your organisation. This certification demonstrates your competence and credibility in this specialised area.
• Improve patient and staff safety during emergencies. By becoming a qualified instructor, you’ll play a crucial role in enhancing the safety of patients and staff. You’ll be able to train colleagues to respond effectively and efficiently during evacuation situations, potentially minimising risks and ensuring smoother, safer evacuations.
• Boost confidence in your ability to manage and instruct on evacuation procedures. The course is designed to build confidence in your personal use of the equipment and in your ability to clearly and effectively instruct others. This assurance is vital when dealing with high-pressure emergency scenarios.
• Assist your organisation in meeting legal and regulatory requirements. Healthcare organisations have a responsibility to ensure adequate emergency preparedness. This course helps you and your organisation meet these legal obligations by ensuring staff are adequately trained in evacuation procedures and using relevant equipment, thus mitigating potential risks and liabilities.
• Enhance your professional development and career prospects. This specialised instructor qualification demonstrates a commitment to professional development and adds valuable skills to your CV. It can open up opportunities for career advancement within your organisation or in the wider healthcare training sector.

This course offers a robust and comprehensive training experience that empowers you to become a highly competent healthcare evacuation equipment instructor. It focuses on practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and safety, ultimately benefiting individuals and the healthcare organisations they serve.

Importance of High-Quality Evacuation Training

High-quality fire safety training is not merely a regulatory requirement but a critical measure to protect the lives of healthcare facility residents, patients, and staff. Our Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructors Course ensures that learners are thoroughly prepared to use evacuation equipment safely and efficiently, thereby minimising risks during emergencies. By emphasising the life-saving aspects of their role, learners will gain a profound understanding of their responsibilities, instilling a sense of pride and commitment to their work. This comprehensive training fosters a deep appreciation of their role in safeguarding lives, ultimately enhancing the overall safety culture within their organisations.

Phoenix STS is an Authorised Training Provider

The Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructors Course is officially authorised to provide comprehensive training on using Ski Evacuation Products from Hospital Aids and the Versa Family Evacuation Chairs from Exitmaster. This endorsement ensures that our instructors deliver up-to-date, manufacturer-approved guidance, equipping learners with the expertise to effectively train healthcare staff to deploy these critical evacuation tools. The Ski Evacuation Sheet by Hospital Aids is designed to securely cocoon non-ambulatory patients, residents or service users within their mattresses, facilitating swift and safe movement during emergencies. The Versa Elite Evacuation Chair by Exitmaster offers enhanced passenger comfort and safety features, including additional handles for improved manoeuvrability along corridors. By completing our course, instructors will be proficient in teaching healthcare staff the proper use of these evacuation devices, thereby enhancing emergency preparedness across various healthcare settings.

Course Aims

To empower instructors with the expertise to train healthcare staff across various settings—including disability services, residential care facilities, and hospitals—to safely and effectively use evacuation equipment, ensuring compliance with the HIQA regulations.

• To Develop Highly Skilled Evacuation Equipment Instructors: This aim focuses on creating competent and confident instructors ready to deliver effective training.
• To Advance Safety and Best Practices in Healthcare Evacuations: This aim highlights the course’s contribution to improving safety and adherence to standards in healthcare settings.
• To Promote Effective and Compliant Use of Evacuation Equipment in Diverse Healthcare Environments: This aim emphasizes the practical application of knowledge across various healthcare contexts and regulatory compliance.

Key Course Objectives of the Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructors Course

• Equip instructors to train healthcare staff to use evacuation equipment safely: Instructors will acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively teach healthcare staff the proper and safe use of various evacuation aids.
• Ensure instructors can teach staff to maintain safety for staff and occupants during evacuation equipment use: Instructors will learn methodologies for training staff on maintaining safety protocols for themselves and occupants during the deployment of evacuation equipment.
• Provide instructors with comprehensive training methodologies for effective evacuation equipment use: Instructors will be equipped with various teaching strategies and methodologies to effectively convey the correct usage of evacuation equipment to healthcare staff.
• Enable instructors to train staff on safely evacuating residents and patients in emergencies: Instructors will gain the competence to teach staff the procedures for safely evacuating residents and patients during various emergency scenarios.
• Foster an understanding of evacuation aid requirements within healthcare environments: Instructors will develop a thorough understanding of the specific requirements and considerations for evacuation aids within diverse healthcare settings.
• Teach instructors to assess the suitability of evacuation equipment in various healthcare settings: Instructors will learn to evaluate and determine the appropriateness of different types of evacuation equipment tailored to specific healthcare environments.

Who is the Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructors Course For?

Our Evacuation Equipment Instructors Course is specifically tailored for individuals training healthcare staff to safely and effectively use evacuation equipment. Ideal participants include health and safety officers, fire safety managers, senior healthcare staff, and external fire safety training providers. This comprehensive programme equips instructors with the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure that healthcare personnel are proficient in utilising evacuation aids and enhancing emergency preparedness across various healthcare settings.

What You’ll Learn on the Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructors Course

This programme is designed to equip learners with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to instruct others in the safe use of various evacuation aids in alignment with HIQA regulations and best practices.

Day 1: Theoretical Foundations and Legislative Framework

• Welcome and Programme Overview
  • Outline of training objectives and schedule.
  • Discussion on the critical importance of evacuation preparedness in healthcare settings.
• Legislative and Regulatory Requirements
  • Detailed examination of relevant legislation, including the Fire Services Act 1981 (amended 2003) and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
  • In-depth analysis of HIQA regulations and their specific applications to evacuation procedures.
• Evacuation Theory and Planning
  • A comprehensive study of evacuation principles within healthcare environments.
  • Strategies for developing and implementing effective evacuation plans tailored to various healthcare settings.
• Introduction to Evacuation Equipment
  • Overview of various evacuation aids, including evacuation chairs, ski evacuation sheets, and pads.
  • Critical evaluation of the advantages, limitations, and appropriate use cases for each type of equipment.

Day 2: Evacuation Chairs

• Evacuation Chair Features and Safety Considerations
  • In-depth examination of evacuation chair components and safety features.
  • Procedures for pre-use safety checks and routine maintenance.
• Hands-On Training: Evacuation Chair Operation
  • Step-by-step guidance on deploying and operating evacuation chairs.
  • Techniques for safely transferring individuals to and from the chair.
• Navigating complex Scenarios with Evacuation Chairs
  • Practical exercises in manoeuvring evacuation chairs through challenging environments, such as staircases and narrow corridors.
  • Problem-solving common challenges and troubleshooting during evacuations.
• Assessment: Evacuation Chair Proficiency
  • Learners demonstrate their ability to operate evacuation chairs safely in simulated scenarios.
  • Provision of feedback and guidance to ensure competence.

Day 3: Evacuation Sheets and Pads

• Introduction to Evacuation Sheets and Pads
  • Detailed overview of ski evacuation sheets, sleds, and pads.
  • Criteria for selecting appropriate evacuation aids based on patient needs and facility layout.
• Safety Protocols for Evacuation Aids
  • Ensuring safety before, during, and after using evacuation sheets and pads.
  • Best practices for maintenance and storage.
• Hands-On Training: Evacuation Sheets and Pads
  • Practical exercises in deploying and using evacuation sheets and pads.
  • Techniques for safely securing and transporting individuals using these aids.
• Assessment: Evacuation Sheets and Pads Proficiency
  • Learners conduct simulated evacuations using sheets and pads.
  • Evaluation and constructive feedback to reinforce learning.

Day 4: Bariatric Evacuation Training

• Understanding Bariatric Evacuation
  • Definition and challenges associated with evacuating bariatric individuals.
  • Review of case studies highlighting the importance of specialised evacuation procedures for bariatric patients.
• Specialised Bariatric Evacuation Equipment
  • Introduction to equipment designed for bariatric evacuations, such as bariatric evacuation sleds and mats.
  • Demonstration of the Bariatric EvacMat, designed for the safe evacuation of bariatric individuals.
• Hands-On Training: Bariatric Evacuation Techniques
  • Practical exercises using bariatric evacuation devices, focusing on safe handling and transportation.
  • Utilisation of bariatric training simulation suits to simulate realistic scenarios and understand the challenges faced during bariatric evacuations.
• Assessment: Bariatric Evacuation Proficiency
  • Learners demonstrate their ability to evacuate bariatric individuals safely using specialised equipment in simulated scenarios.
  • Provision of feedback and guidance to ensure competence.

Day 5: Instructor Assessment and Certification

• Training Methodologies
  • Effective instructional techniques for adult learners.
  • Strategies for developing engaging and informative training sessions.
• Designing Evacuation Training Programmes
  • Structuring training sessions to cover essential content comprehensively.
  • Incorporating practical exercises and assessments to evaluate learner competence.
• Delivering Mock Training Sessions
  • Learners conduct mock training sessions, instructing peers on using evacuation equipment.
  • Peer and instructor evaluations to provide insights into instructional effectiveness.
• Final Assessment and Certification
  • A comprehensive assessment covering both practical skills and instructional abilities.
  • Successful participants receive a Phoenix STS Training certificate, valid for five years, accredited by Hospital Aids and Exitmaster.

Staff Pre-Course Requirements

To ensure learners are adequately prepared for the course, the following prerequisites must be met:

• Certification in People Moving and Handling: Before commencing the course, learners must provide valid certification in people moving and handling. This certification ensures that learners possess the foundational skills necessary for safely moving individuals, which is critical for effective evacuation procedures. Courses such as the People Moving Course provide relevant certification.
• English Language Proficiency: Fluency in English is essential for effective communication during the training. Learners must be able to understand, speak, read, and write in English to fully engage with the course material and participate actively in discussions.
• Appropriate Attire for Practical Training: Learners should wear clothing that allows them to move freely during practical sessions. This ensures their safety and comfort while performing hands-on activities related to evacuation procedures.
• Disclosure of Relevant Medical Conditions: To maintain safety during practical modules, learners are required to disclose any medical conditions that could make physical activities unsafe. This information will be treated confidentially and used solely to ensure the well-being of all learners during the course.

Training Area Requirements

• The centre must provide suitable training areas in line with government guidelines on the management of COVID-19.
• The centre will be required to supply equipment on-site for this training (profiling beds, including bed linen).
• Where the building has multiple stories, the bedrooms for the evacuation training should be as close as possible to a lift and the stairwell to facilitate the movement of the rescue training manikin.

Our Instructors

Our instructors, experienced in providing fire safety training in a healthcare setting, are the backbone of our course. They will outline the staff’s duties and roles in preventing fire and provide a comprehensive understanding of the necessary actions to respond to a fire within a nursing home. Our instructors are members of professional bodies such as NAHFO, IFE, IOSH, IIESMS, IIRSM, IHEEM, and L&DI. They are also qualified as People Moving and Handling and Evacuation Equipment Instructors and are Infection Control and Safeguarding Adults Qualified, ensuring you receive the highest quality of education. Additionally, all our instructors have achieved a minimum level of recognition with the Institute of Industrial Engineers and Safety Management Systems (IIESMS) at the Fire Safety Technician (FST.IIESMS) level, further ensuring the excellence and reliability of our training programmes.

Training Methods

• Classroom-Based Presentations: We utilise structured PowerPoint presentations to deliver theoretical knowledge, covering essential topics such as legislative frameworks, evacuation planning, and equipment overviews.
• Hands-On Demonstrations and Practice: Learners engage in practical sessions where they can handle and operate evacuation equipment, reinforcing their understanding through direct application.
• Mock Training Sessions with Peer Feedback: Learners conduct simulated training scenarios, allowing them to practice instructional techniques and receive constructive feedback from peers and instructors.
• Use of Rescue Training Manikins: We incorporate rescue training to ensure safety during practical exercises. These manikins, such as those provided by Ruth Lee, are designed for realistic rescue and evacuation training, enabling learners to effectively practice handling and manoeuvring techniques.

Assessment Components

The assessment components of the Evacuation Equipment Instructors Course are designed to comprehensively evaluate learners’ theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and instructional abilities. The assessment framework includes:

• Practical Skills Evaluation:
  • Through hands-on exercises, the learner’s proficiency in handling and operating evacuation equipment, such as evacuation chairs and ski evacuation sheets, will be assessed.
  • Emphasis will be placed on safety protocols, equipment deployment, and effective evacuation techniques.
• Instructional Competency Assessment:
  • Learners are required to design and deliver a ‘mock’ training session, simulating real-world instructional scenarios.
  • This component evaluates the ability to convey information clearly, engage learners, and effectively teach the use of evacuation equipment.
• Peer and Instructor Feedback:
  • Both peers and instructors will provide constructive feedback during practical exercises and mock training sessions.
  • This feedback aims to identify strengths and areas for improvement, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
• Continuous Assessment:
  • Throughout the course, learners will be continuously assessed on their engagement, participation, and adherence to safety protocols.
  • Instructors will monitor progress to ensure consistent development of competencies.

Successful completion of all assessment components is mandatory for certification. This ensures that learners are well-prepared to instruct others in the safe and effective use of evacuation equipment in various healthcare settings.

Assessment and Certification

To achieve certification in the Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructors Course, learners are required to deliver a ‘mock’ training session as part of their assessment. Upon successful completion, learners will receive a Phoenix STS Training certificate accredited by Hospital Aids and Exitmaster, valid for 5 years. To maintain competency, it is recommended that learners undergo refresher training every 5 years.

Maximum Number of Learners

The course is designed to accommodate up to 8 learners, facilitating practical peer training sessions. This class size allows for optimal interaction, enabling learners to engage in practical exercises and collaborative learning and enhance their instructional skills in evacuation procedures.

Course Duration

The Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructors Course is a 5-day programme designed to equip learners with the knowledge and practical skills to train healthcare staff to use evacuation equipment effectively. Each day runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with 1.5 hours allocated for breaks, resulting in 6.5 hours of focused instruction daily. Over the 5 days, learners will engage in 32.5 hours of immersive training, combining theoretical learning with extensive hands-on practice to ensure proficiency in evacuation procedures across various healthcare settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is specific training on evacuation equipment so crucial in healthcare settings?

Healthcare settings house vulnerable individuals who may have mobility limitations or complex medical needs. Specialised evacuation equipment is designed to move these patients during emergencies safely. Training is crucial to ensure staff can use this equipment effectively and avoid injury to themselves and patients during critical evacuations.

What are the potential consequences of healthcare staff not being adequately trained in evacuation equipment use?

Lack of training can lead to slower evacuation times, increased risk of patient and staff injury during evacuation (from improper equipment use or manual handling), potential equipment damage, and ultimately, compromised patient safety in emergencies, potentially leading to serious harm or even fatalities.

How does proper evacuation equipment training contribute to overall patient safety in healthcare facilities?

Practical training directly enhances patient safety by ensuring staff can rapidly and safely evacuate patients during fires, floods, or other emergencies. It reduces confusion, minimises the risk of injury during movement, and facilitates a more organised and efficient evacuation process, directly improving patient outcomes in critical situations.

How often should healthcare staff receive training on evacuation equipment? Is annual training necessary?

While specific regulations vary, annual refresher training is considered best practice for healthcare evacuation equipment. Skills can degrade over time, and equipment or procedures may be updated. Regular training ensures staff maintain competency, are familiar with changes, and can respond effectively in an emergency. At a minimum, training should occur upon induction and then periodically, ideally annually or bi-annually

Is healthcare evacuation equipment training a legal requirement or simply best practice?

In many regions, including Ireland, with HIQA guidelines, healthcare facilities are legally obligated to have emergency plans and trained staff capable of safely evacuating patients. While specific equipment training may not always be explicitly mandated in all regulations, demonstrating competency in patient evacuation, necessitating equipment training, is a key component of regulatory compliance and is considered essential best practice for patient safety.

What are some of the principal risks of evacuating patients in healthcare settings?

Risks include patient injury from falls or improper handling, staff injury from manual lifting or incorrect equipment use, delays in evacuation due to confusion or lack of trained personnel, equipment malfunction if misused, and exacerbation of patient conditions due to stress or improper evacuation techniques.

What are the unique challenges of evacuating patients in nursing homes compared to other healthcare facilities?

Nursing homes often have a higher proportion of residents with significant mobility limitations, cognitive impairments, and complex medical conditions. Evacuating this population presents unique challenges requiring specialised equipment and highly trained staff who understand the needs and vulnerabilities of elderly and frail residents.

How can evacuation equipment training help mitigate the risk of injuries during patient evacuations?

Training focuses on safe patient handling techniques using evacuation equipment. Staff learn how to correctly secure patients in chairs or sleds, manoeuvre equipment safely up and down stairs and across different surfaces, and avoid common mistakes that can lead to back injuries for staff or discomfort and injury for patients.

What types of emergencies necessitate the use of evacuation equipment in healthcare?

Is it only for fires? While fire is a primary emergency requiring evacuation, equipment is also crucial for floods, gas leaks, bomb threats, major power outages, or any situation where patients need to be moved quickly and safely away from danger. Evacuation equipment is a vital component of all-hazards emergency preparedness.

Are there specific risks associated with not using evacuation equipment and attempting manual evacuation methods instead?

Attempting manual evacuation (e.g., carrying patients without equipment) is significantly riskier. It greatly increases the risk of injury for staff and patients, is much slower and less efficient, and is often not feasible for patients with limited mobility or complex medical needs. Equipment is designed to make evacuation safer and more manageable, and for many patients, manual evacuation is simply not a safe option.

What types of evacuation equipment are typically covered in healthcare evacuation training?

Training typically covers evacuation chairs (stair chairs), evacuation sleds or sheets for horizontal and vertical movement, carry chairs for non-stair evacuations, and potentially other specialised devices like evacuation mats or cushions, depending on the setting and equipment available.

Is the training just about using the equipment, or does it also cover maintenance and inspection?

Comprehensive training should include the correct operation of evacuation equipment and basic maintenance and pre-use inspection procedures. Knowing how to check equipment for faults and perform essential maintenance ensures equipment is always ready for use and functions correctly when needed.

Does evacuation equipment training need to be tailored to the specific equipment available in our facility?

Ideally, training should be tailored to the specific types and models of evacuation equipment in your healthcare facility. While general principles apply, hands-on practice with the equipment staff will use in an emergency is the most effective approach to training.

What key skills should healthcare staff gain from evacuation equipment training?

Key skills include the correct and safe operation of various evacuation equipment types, safe patient handling and transfer techniques, the ability to assess patient needs and choose appropriate equipment, pre-use equipment inspection, understanding of evacuation procedures and routes, and confidence in leading and assisting in patient evacuations during emergencies.

Why should we train our staff to be evacuation equipment instructors instead of relying solely on external trainers?

Training in-house instructors build sustainable expertise within your organisation. It allows for more frequent and cost-effective training, ensures training is tailored to your specific needs and equipment, and creates internal safety champions who can continuously promote best practices and deliver ongoing training to new staff.

What are the benefits of having certified Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructors on staff?

Certified instructors ensure training is delivered consistently to a high standard and aligned with regulations and best practices. It demonstrates a commitment to safety, enhances staff credibility and leadership within the facility, and creates a valuable internal resource for ongoing training and emergency preparedness.

What qualities make a good Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructor?

Good instructors need strong practical skills in equipment use, excellent communication and presentation skills, patience and empathy when training others, a thorough understanding of safety regulations and procedures, and a genuine commitment to promoting patient safety and preparedness.

What should we look for when choosing a Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructors Course?

Look for courses aligned with relevant regulations (e.g., HIQA in Ireland), practically focused with hands-on training, delivered by experienced and qualified trainers, comprehensive in curriculum content, provide recognised certification upon completion, and offer ongoing support or refresher training options.

How can we ensure that evacuation equipment training is effectively implemented and maintained within our healthcare facility in the long term?

Establish a clear training schedule with regular refresher courses, appoint internal champions (like certified instructors) to oversee training and promote best practices, incorporate evacuation drills into regular safety protocols, keep accurate training records, and regularly review and update evacuation plans and training programs to reflect changes in regulations, equipment, or facility needs.

What is the return on investment for investing in a Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructors Course and comprehensive evacuation training?

The return is significant and multifaceted: Improved patient safety and reduced risk of injury and fatalities during emergencies (an ethical and legal imperative), reduced liability and improved regulatory compliance, increased staff confidence and competence, enhanced organisational reputation for safety, and long-term cost savings by building internal training capacity and potentially preventing costly incidents and legal repercussions associated with inadequate emergency preparedness. Ultimately, it’s an investment in protecting lives and ensuring the well-being of those in your care.