The Evac+Chair Rescue Sheet is kept in position under the mattress with
strong elastic corner straps. Daily bed making is as normal. If a fire should
occur, the webbing straps are removed from their pockets and quickly done
up around the patient. The mattress and the patient are then lowered onto
the floor for very fast and safe evacuation, without staff having to carry them.
By using the Rescue Sheet, the patient is protected by their mattress and
they can be easily taken down stairs to safety, if necessary. After evacuation,
the patient can be left still ‘cocooned’ in the Rescue Sheet and this is helpful
with patients who are liable to wander.
Note: The ‘cross’ straps are sewn across the full width of the rescue sheet
to provide extra security in case the strong nylon material should tear on a
rough surface, i.e. driveways, roads, etc. All staff should have regular fire
drills, so that in an emergency they are familiar with evacuation procedures.