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 guide explains what ski evacuation pads are, how they differ from other evacuation equipment, and what Irish nursing homes and hospitals need to know about selecting, using, and maintaining them in line with HIQA’s Fire Safety Handbook and Regulation 28 requirements.
What Is a Ski Evacuation Pad?
A ski evacuation pad (also called a ski sheet, ski mat, or evacuation mattress) 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.
These devices share several common features:
- A 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 allow one or two people to pull or guide the device
- Compact storage, either folded in a bag or fitted under a mattress
The key advantage over stretchers or wheelchairs is speed. In a real emergency, staff can secure a resident and begin moving within minutes, without needing to lift or transfer the person.
Types of Ski Evacuation Equipment
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 (Under-Mattress Type)
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.
Ski Pad (Stored Separately)
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 that are incompatible with under-mattress sheets.
Ski Mat (Flexible Baseboard)
The ski mat features a flexible polypropylene baseboard that provides structure while remaining manoeuvrable through doorways and around corners. It combines portability with protection.
Best suited for: Buildings with narrow corridors, tight corners, mixed floor surfaces or where active (air) mattresses are used that are incompatible with under-mattress sheets.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Ski Sheet | Ski Pad | Ski Mat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Link | Evacuation Ski Sheet | Patient Evacuation Ski Pad | Ski Evacuation Mat |
| Uses an existing mattress | Uses an existing mattress | In the corridor or room | In the corridor or room |
| Transfer required | Uses an existing mattress | Yes | Yes |
| Padding | Uses existing mattress | Built-in foam (5cm) | Flexible polypropylene baseboard |
| Compatible with air mattresses | No | Yes | Yes |
| Safe Operating Load | 120 kg | 120 kg | 120 kg |
| Operators needed | Two | Two | Two |
Note: Specifications vary by manufacturer. While product datasheets provide some information, you should really 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 the outbreak of fire and to ensure the safety of persons on the premises in the event of fire.
Critically, the 2003 amendment removed the obligation on fire authorities to provide complete evacuation services. This means nursing homes and hospitals must be able to evacuate all occupants to a place of safety using their own staff and equipment, without relying on the fire service to carry out rescues.
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.
HIQA Regulation 28
For designated centres (nursing homes, residential care facilities, and disability services), HIQA’s 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 that evacuation can be completed within safe timeframes.
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
Providers must ensure that evacuation equipment is appropriate for each resident’s needs. Factors include mobility level, weight, cognitive ability, and the building’s physical layout (corridor widths, staircase access, floor surfaces). A ski sheet suitable for one resident may not be appropriate for another.
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)
Each resident should have a documented PEEP that specifies which evacuation aid will be used for them, how many staff are needed, and any special considerations. PEEPs should be grouped by building compartment and kept accessible to staff.
Staff Training
The Handbook states that staff must be trained in the use of evacuation aids by a competent person. Training should cover the practical operation of the equipment, transfer techniques, and scenario-based drills. Refresher training should be provided at appropriate intervals.
Maintenance and Inspection
Evacuation equipment must be regularly inspected to ensure it remains in good working order. Straps, buckles, and fabric should be checked for wear. Storage locations should be clearly marked and kept unobstructed.
Drill Documentation
Fire drills must demonstrate that all residents can be evacuated within the building’s safe evacuation time. HIQA inspectors review drill records and may ask to observe a live drill. If drills reveal that evacuation cannot be completed safely, the provider must take corrective action, which may include acquiring additional or different equipment.
For comprehensive training on meeting these requirements, our Designated Centre Fire Safety Managers Course covers HIQA compliance and evacuation planning.
Key Features to Look For
When selecting evacuation equipment, consider the following specifications:
Weight Capacity
Check the safe working load (SWL), not just the maximum tested load. For example, a product tested to 250 kg may have an SWL of 120 kg for safe two-person operation. Ensure the equipment can accommodate your largest residents with an appropriate safety margin.
Base Material
The underside should glide smoothly over the surfaces in your building. Nylon provides low friction on smooth floors; vinyl-coated bases perform better on carpet and outdoor surfaces. Test on your actual floors if possible.
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. Some products include a chest strap, leg straps, and a foot pocket.
Handle Configuration
Multiple handles at the head, foot, and sides give flexibility for different evacuation routes and staffing levels. Padded handles reduce strain during longer evacuations.
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
In healthcare settings, equipment must be easy to clean between uses. Check whether the product is machine washable or wipe-clean, and whether it is compatible with standard healthcare disinfectants.
How to Use an Evacuation Pad
The exact procedure varies by product type, but the general steps are:
For Under-Mattress Sheets
- Remove the securing straps from their storage pockets on the underside of the sheet.
- Pass the straps over the person and mattress, securing each buckle (typically chest and legs).
- Slide the mattress (with the person secured on top) off the bed onto the floor.
- Using the head-end handles, pull the person to safety. A second person can guide from the foot end or assist on the stairs.
For Stored Ski Pads and Mats
- Remove the pad from its storage bag and unfold it beside the bed or on the floor near the person.
- Transfer the person onto the pad using appropriate manual handling techniques (bed sheets can assist).
- Secure the straps around the person, ensuring each buckle is fastened.
- Pull the pad to safety using the handles.
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 training and practice.
Important: Never attempt to use evacuation equipment without proper training. Incorrect use can cause injury to both the person being evacuated and the staff member.
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.
Phoenix STS offers on-site fire safety training (Nursing Home Fire Safety Training), including practical instruction on evacuation equipment tailored to nursing homes and healthcare facilities. We also offer Train-the-Trainer courses (the Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructor Course) for facilities that wish to deliver ongoing in-house training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some products 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 fire safety and evacuation equipment, including ski mats, sheets, and evacuation chairs. We can advise on the most suitable products for your facility and provide training to ensure staff can use them effectively
Next Steps
Choosing the right ski evacuation equipment and ensuring staff are trained to use it is essential for HIQA compliance and, more importantly, for keeping residents safe. The right equipment, properly maintained and used by trained staff, can make evacuation faster, safer, and less stressful for everyone involved.
If you are unsure which evacuation aids are right for your facility, or if you need training for your team, contact Phoenix STS for a consultation. We can assess your building, review your current equipment, and recommend solutions tailored to your resident’s needs.
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