When a fire alarm sounds in a nursing home at 3 AM, staff have minutes to move residents who cannot walk to safety. For many Irish healthcare facilities, ski evacuation pads are the difference between a successful evacuation and a preventable tragedy. This comprehensive guide explains everything Irish nursing homes and hospitals need to know about selecting, using, and maintaining these essential emergency devices.
Why Evacuation Equipment Matters
Sources: PubMed: Wheelchair-Bound Residents in Nursing Facilities; SilverAssist Survey 2024; British Geriatrics Society; UK Government Fire Safety Guidance
What Are Ski Evacuation Pads?
Definition
A ski evacuation pad is a lightweight, flexible device designed to move people who cannot walk to safety during an emergency. The name comes from the skiing motion used when pulling the device along the floor.
Ski evacuation pads (also called ski sheets, ski mats, or evacuation mattresses) share several common features that make them essential for healthcare evacuation:
- Low-friction base material (typically nylon or vinyl-coated) that glides over floors, carpets, and outdoor surfaces
- Securing straps with seatbelt-style buckles to keep the person safe during movement
- Multiple handles allowing one or two people to pull or guide the device
- Compact storage, either folded in a bag or fitted under a mattress
Types of Ski Evacuation Pads
The terms “ski pad,” “ski sheet,” and “ski mat” are often used interchangeably, but they refer to distinct products designed for different situations. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right equipment for your facility.
🔹 Ski Sheet
The ski sheet is fitted permanently under the mattress using elastic corner loops. It remains in place at all times, invisible until needed.
In an emergency, staff remove the straps from storage pockets, secure them over the person, and slide the entire mattress (with the person on it) off the bed and to safety.
Best suited for: Facilities where residents remain in their own rooms and use standard (non-active) mattresses.
View Product →🔹 Ski Pad
The ski pad is a padded evacuation mattress stored in a bag, typically in a corridor or beside the bed.
When needed, it is unfolded beside the person, who is then transferred onto it (often using slide sheets), secured with straps, and moved to safety. A foam layer (typically 5cm thick) protects the person from bumps.
Best suited for: Facilities where residents move between rooms, or where active (air) mattresses are used.
View Product →🔹 Ski Mat
The ski mat features a flexible polypropylene baseboard that provides structure while remaining manoeuvrable through doorways and around corners.
It combines portability with protection, making it suitable for buildings with challenging layouts.
Best suited for: Buildings with narrow corridors, tight corners, mixed floor surfaces, or where active (air) mattresses are used.
View Product →Ski Evacuation Pad Comparison
| Feature | Ski Sheet | Ski Pad | Ski Mat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storage Location | Under existing mattress | In corridor or room (bag) | In corridor or room (bag) |
| Transfer Required | ✗ No | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Padding | Uses existing mattress | Built-in foam (5cm) | Flexible polypropylene |
| Compatible with Air Mattresses | ✗ No | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Typical Safe Working Load | 120 kg | 120 kg | 120 kg |
| Operators Required | Two recommended | Two recommended | Two recommended |
Specification Verification
Specifications vary by manufacturer. While product datasheets provide some information, you should look for third-party independent certification or a failure-to-test report, which provides verified evidence of the equipment’s safe working limits.
Why Healthcare Facilities Need Evacuation Equipment
The legal and practical case for ski evacuation equipment in Irish healthcare settings rests on three pillars:
Legal Duty Under the Fire Services Acts
The Fire Services Act 1981 (as amended by the Fire Services Act 2003) places a duty on any person having control of premises to take all reasonable measures to guard against fire outbreak and ensure the safety of persons on the premises.
Critically: The 2003 amendment removed the obligation on fire authorities to provide complete evacuation services. Nursing homes and hospitals must be able to evacuate all occupants using their own staff and equipment.
Equality of Evacuation
The Disability Act 2005 and the principle of reasonable accommodation require that people with disabilities have equal access to emergency evacuation.
For residents who use wheelchairs, are bedridden, or have cognitive impairments, ski evacuation equipment may be the only practical means of achieving this equality.
HIQA Regulation 28
For designated centres (nursing homes, residential care facilities, and disability services), HIQA Regulation 28 (Fire Precautions) requires registered providers to ensure adequate arrangements for evacuating all residents.
HIQA inspectors specifically assess whether evacuation aids are fit for purpose, whether staff are trained to use them, and whether drills demonstrate evacuation within safe timeframes.
Progressive Horizontal Evacuation
Unlike standard buildings where occupants evacuate immediately to outside, healthcare facilities use progressive horizontal evacuation (PHE). This strategy is essential for protecting residents who cannot move quickly or safely on their own.
The 2½-Minute Compartment Standard
UK Government fire safety guidance recommends that each fire compartment in a care home should be capable of evacuation within 2½ minutes during normal operating hours. This is a starting point; increased evacuation times during periods with minimal staffing must be justified through risk assessment.
In Ireland, the HIQA Fire Safety Handbook requires providers to demonstrate that evacuation can be completed within safe timeframes through documented fire drills.
How PHE Works
Progressive horizontal evacuation follows a staged approach:
- Stage 1: Immediate horizontal evacuation from the area of fire origin through fire-resistant barriers to an adjacent compartment on the same level
- Stage 2: Additional horizontal evacuation to further compartments if necessary, maintaining fire-resistant barriers between residents and the fire
- Stage 3: Vertical evacuation (if required) to a lower floor or outside, undertaken only after horizontal options are exhausted
Each refuge area provides a minimum of 30 minutes fire protection, allowing time for the fire service to attend or for further evacuation if needed. Ski evacuation pads are essential for moving residents quickly during each stage.
HIQA Compliance and Evacuation Aids
The HIQA Fire Safety Handbook (first published January 2021, updated March 2025) provides detailed guidance on evacuation aids. Key requirements include:
Suitability Assessment
Equipment must be appropriate for each resident’s needs, considering mobility level, weight, cognitive ability, and building layout.
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)
Each resident should have a documented PEEP specifying which evacuation aid will be used, how many staff are needed, and any special considerations.
Staff Training
Staff must be trained in the use of evacuation aids by a competent person, covering practical operation, transfer techniques, and scenario-based drills.
Maintenance and Inspection
Equipment must be regularly inspected to ensure it remains in good working order. Storage locations should be clearly marked and kept unobstructed.
Drill Documentation
Fire drills must demonstrate that all residents can be evacuated within safe timeframes. HIQA inspectors review drill records and may observe live drills.
Grouped by Compartment
PEEPs should be grouped by building compartment and kept in a secure but readily accessible location for staff during emergencies.
Key Features to Look For
When selecting ski evacuation pads, consider the following specifications to ensure the equipment meets your facility’s needs:
Weight Capacity
Check the safe working load (SWL), not just the maximum tested load. Ensure equipment can accommodate your largest residents with an appropriate safety margin.
Base Material
The underside should glide smoothly over your building’s surfaces. Nylon provides low friction on smooth floors; vinyl-coated bases perform better on carpet.
Strap System
Look for seatbelt-style buckles that are quick to fasten and will not release accidentally. Colour-coded or numbered straps speed up the securing process.
Handle Configuration
Multiple handles at the head, foot, and sides give flexibility for different evacuation routes and staffing levels. Padded handles reduce strain on staff.
Dimensions
Measure your narrowest doorway and tightest corridor turn. Standard pads are typically 80 to 90 cm wide, but narrower options exist for restricted spaces.
Cleaning and Infection Control
Equipment must be easy to clean between uses. Check whether the product is machine washable or wipe-clean, and compatible with standard disinfectants.
How to Use Ski Evacuation Pads
The exact procedure varies by product type, but the general steps are outlined below. Proper training is essential before using any evacuation equipment.
For Under-Mattress Sheets
For Stored Ski Pads and Mats
⚠️ Staircase Use
On staircases, one person controls the descent from the head end while a second person steadies the foot end. The low-friction base allows controlled sliding down steps, but this requires specific training and practice. Never attempt staircase evacuation without proper training.
⛔ Critical Safety Warning
Never attempt to use evacuation equipment without proper training. Incorrect use can cause injury to both the person being evacuated and the staff member. All staff who may be involved in evacuations must receive hands-on training with the specific equipment used in your facility.
Training Requirements
HIQA and the Fire Services Acts require that anyone using evacuation equipment must be trained by a competent person. In practice, this means:
Initial Training
All staff who may be involved in evacuations should receive hands-on training with the specific equipment used in your facility.
Refresher Training
Regular refreshers (typically annually) ensure skills remain current and new staff are trained.
Drill Integration
Evacuation equipment should be used in fire drills so staff can practise under realistic conditions.
Documentation
Training records must be maintained and made available to HIQA inspectors upon request.
Phoenix STS Training Courses
Phoenix STS offers on-site fire safety training, including practical instruction on evacuation equipment tailored to nursing homes and healthcare facilities:
- Nursing Home Fire Safety Training
- Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructor Course (Train-the-Trainer)
- Designated Centre Fire Safety Managers Course
- Evacuation Equipment Training Course
- Compartment Fire Evacuation Drills
Frequently Asked Questions
Some ski evacuation pads are designed for single-person operation on flat surfaces, but two-person operation is recommended for safety, especially on stairs or uneven ground. Check the manufacturer’s guidance and your facility’s risk assessment.
Under-mattress ski sheets are generally not compatible with active (air) mattresses because the mattress must slide off the bed. For residents using pressure-relieving mattresses, a stored ski pad or mat is usually more appropriate.
Monthly visual inspections are good practice, with a more thorough check (including strap testing and cleaning) quarterly. Document all inspections in your fire safety register.
Ski pads are designed for horizontal evacuation and moving people who must remain lying down. Evacuation chairs are designed for descending stairs with people who can sit upright. Many facilities need both types of equipment to cover all residents’ needs.
Phoenix STS supplies a range of ski evacuation pads including ski mats, sheets, and related evacuation equipment through our safety equipment shop. We can advise on the most suitable products for your facility and provide training to ensure staff can use them effectively.
Related Resources
🎓 Training Courses
Need Help Choosing the Right Equipment?
Choosing the right ski evacuation pads and ensuring staff are trained to use them is essential for HIQA compliance and, more importantly, for keeping residents safe. Phoenix STS can assess your building, review your current equipment, and recommend solutions tailored to your residents’ needs.
References and Further Reading
- HIQA Fire Safety Handbook (2025 Edition)
- Fire Services Act 1981 (Irish Statute Book)
- Fire Services Act 2003 (Irish Statute Book)
- Disability Act 2005 (Irish Statute Book)
- UK Government: Fire Safety Risk Assessment – Residential Care Premises
- PubMed: Wheelchair-Bound Residents in Nursing Facilities: The Basics (2007)
- British Geriatrics Society: End of Life Care in Frailty – Care Homes
- Fire Technology: Simulating Movement Devices Used in Hospital Evacuation (2020)
Disclaimer
This guide provides general information about ski evacuation pads and their use in Irish healthcare settings. It is not a substitute for professional fire safety advice, a formal fire risk assessment, or equipment-specific training. Always consult with qualified fire safety professionals and refer to current HIQA guidance and Irish legislation for your specific circumstances. Equipment specifications and suitability should be verified with manufacturers for your particular facility requirements.
