SUBJECT

TRAINER

LOCATION

TIME

EVACUATION SLEDGE

G. BROADHURST

CARE HOME

1.5  HOURS

SUBJECT

CONTENT EXPLAINED

LESSON OUTCOME

Explain why sledges have to be on site

Staff will be told that sledges are in place as a last resort to evacuate persons to a lower floor in an emergency, and must only be used by trained staff.

Staff will understand why sledges are on site, who can use them and when.

Show the equipment in the bag and out of the bag to explain how it works

Staff will be shown how the bag is placed on the wall for quick release and shown how it is stowed, how it is inspected (stitching- buckles- straps) and prepared for use to place a person inside.

Staff will know where they are stored and how they must be inspected and left for the next person to use.

Practical demonstration using 3 methods to get a person to lower floor without the sledge

The trainer will demonstrate 3 alternative methods on the stairs of getting a person downstairs using the seated method, and reverse walk down methods x 2 with one or two other staff members to assist.

The staff will understand that it is not always necessary to use the equipment in an emergency just because it is provided.

The walkdown methods may be far quicker if the resident is suitable and considered safe/

Practical demonstration of the importance of keeping the head towards the stairs at all times for balance and how to use the straps

Demonstrate on level floor how the head influences the body movement to move in the direction of the head.

Demonstrate the dangers on the stairs by falling into the stairs and not downwards.

The straps must not be wrapped around wrists.

Staff will understand balance and head position is very important, and not to wrap the straps around wrists but to hold them firmly.

Explain the importance of using safety officers during each exercise

Using a person at the head and base of the stairs gives the persons carrying out the drill more confidence.

The safety and observer staff will provide more confidence and more assurance that it is safe, and will stop the drill at any time something risky is happening .

Read the method statement  

The method statement includes all technical procedures to follow and will be read out by the trainer.

The staff will understand what is required throughout the drill and can ask questions .

Demonstrate placing a person inside the sledge  

The trainer acts as a fire warden and tells two members of staff how to place a person in the sledge (can refer back to the method statement if required).

Understand the practical and safe way of placing a person inside the sledge, and how to control the sledge at the head and base moving the sledge in preparation to take a person downstairs .

Demonstrate instructions to staff to move the sledge downstairs

Make sure persons are aware that the head is placed towards the stairs and slowly lower the sledge feet first to the next floor level.

Ensure safety staff are in place at the head and base, and the trainer well observe carefully as the sledge is lowered giving instructions .

Everyone will see how easy it is to get the sledge downstairs safely.

Fire wardens will see the importance of being in charge and giving clear instructions

Repeat the procedure using different staff

The trainer takes control again and repeats the exercise using different staff in different positions .

The staff will grow in confidence as the result is the same and the person gets to ground floor safely .

Use a fire warden and three other staff members to carry out the drill

Nominate more staff to carry out the drill whilst the trainer stands back and observes, and gives encouragement and advice as required

Confidence continually grows and other staff are keen to take part

Once the trainer is satisfied the drills are stopped

The staff are asked if they are happy with the results, and if they require further instruction or need to have more practice.

The staff are now confident they can carry out the drill without the need for a trainer, and understand all the safety requirements .

Final Q&A in the classroom

Q&A so staff can air their views and to talk as a group to establish if persons now understand the safe way to use the equipment, inspect it and stow it correctly.

The staff understand all the procedures and safety measures to follow when using the equipment including using it, inspecting it and stowing it.