Disabled Person Evacuation
The following guidelines are intended to help evacuate people with physical disabilities.
- Evacuating a disabled or injured person by yourself is the last resort. Consider your options and the risks of injuring yourself and others in an evacuation attempt, which could make an emergency situation worse.
- Evacuation is difficult and uncomfortable for both the rescuers and the people being assisted. Some people have conditions that can be aggravated or triggered if they are moved incorrectly. Remember that environmental conditions (e.g., smoke, debris, loss of electricity) will complicate evacuation efforts.
The following guidelines are general and may not apply in every circumstance:
- Staff members should be invited to volunteer ahead of time to assist disabled people in an emergency. If a volunteer is not available, designate someone to assist who is willing to accept the responsibility.
- Volunteers should obtain evacuation training for lifting techniques.
- Two or more trained volunteers, if available, should conduct the evacuation.
- Do not evacuate disabled people in their wheelchairs. This is standard practice to ensure the safety of disabled people and volunteers. Wheelchairs will be evacuated later if possible (use a stair chair specifically designed for emergency rescue operations).
- Always ask someone with a disability how you can help before attempting any rescue technique or giving assistance. Ask how they can best be assisted or moved, and whether there are any special considerations or items that need to come with them.
- If the situation is life threatening, call the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445.
