"Who Needs an Evac+Chair?"
The Answer Might Surprise You!
When it comes to emergency evacuations, the instinct might be to think: “We just need to help wheelchair users.” What if we told you the people who need evacuation assistance don’t always fit the picture we expect? That many more of your employees, visitors or customers could find themselves unable to safely exit your building, even if they look completely “able-bodied”?
We’ve seen time and time again how the assumptions around mobility impairments can leave businesses dangerously unprepared. So, let’s challenge those assumptions and break the stigma together.
Permanent, Temporary, Invisible: The Three Faces of Mobility Impairment
Permanent disabilities are the ones we usually think about first. Someone who uses a wheelchair, a mobility scooter or has a long-term condition affecting their movement. Their needs are clear and that’s exactly why evacuation chairs like ours exist: to give them a safe, reliable way out in an emergency.
But what about temporary mobility impairments? Imagine your colleague with a broken leg on crutches for six weeks, a visitor recovering from surgery who’s healing but still uncomfortable as they regain strength but determined to keep up or even a late-stage pregnant colleague navigating the office day-to-day. Temporary doesn’t mean “not important”, in fact, their risk during an emergency is just as real. Can your evacuation plan adapt to sudden changes like these?
Then, there’s the hardest group to spot: those with invisible impairments. These people might be walking, even running during their daily routine, but conditions like mental health issues, illness or learning difficulties can make an evacuation stressful and overwhelming. During an emergency, fatigue, panic or balance problems can turn a simple flight of stairs into a life-threatening obstacle.
The Reality of Emergency Situations
When an alarm sounds, panic often follows. Corridors clog, exits become crowded and time becomes a luxury that no one has. In those critical moments, the rush to evacuate can quickly become chaotic, especially in multi-level buildings where every extra floor means a longer, harder route to safety. Bottlenecks at stairwells are common and they’re made worse when people who need assistance can’t move quickly or when those around them don’t know how to help.
Without the right equipment or the training to use it, even well-intentioned efforts can lead to delays, confusion and risk of injury. Every second counts, and when mobility support isn’t readily available, an evacuation can grind to a halt.
Why This Matters to Your Business – Beyond Compliance
By having an Evac+Chair your protecting your most valuable assets: your people. Imagine the consequences of being unprepared for that unexpected visitor or employee who suddenly can’t safely use the stairs.
Your reputation, your legal obligations and most importantly, the safety of everyone on your premises who depend on you doing the right thing.
Don’t Let Assumptions Be Your Downfall
Here’s a hard truth: many businesses assume evacuation is straightforward and that someone can just “help carry” a person in trouble. That approach is not only risky, it can cause injury to both the evacuee and the helper and slow down the entire evacuation process.
An Evac+Chair provides a safe, controlled and efficient way to evacuate someone, no matter their mobility level. Emergencies don’t wait for perfect conditions or ideal circumstances.
So, Who Really Needs an Evac+Chair?
The simple answer: Anyone who could struggle to use the stairs in an emergency. That includes people you might never have considered.
Does your evacuation plan account for the invisible challenges? For the temporary injuries? For the moments when “walking fine” isn’t enough?
If not, now is the time to act. Because when seconds count, preparedness saves lives.
Let’s talk about making your evacuation plan truly inclusive – contact Evac+Chair today here or book your complimentary Evacuation Assessment to ensure you’re prepared here
