School safely evacuates injured pupil using Evac+Chair

Franche Community Primary School in Kidderminster has strengthened its emergency preparedness after using an Evac+Chair to safely evacuate an injured pupil

Franche Community Primary School in Kidderminster has strengthened its emergency evacuation arrangements with an Evac+Chair 300H MK5, providing staff with a means of safely moving pupils with reduced mobility or temporary injuries when lifts cannot be used.

The school, which was established in 1982, has already put the equipment into practice following an incident in which a pupil injured their ankle during breaktime.

Unable to safely use the school’s lift, the pupil was assisted by staff using the Evac+Chair. The pupil was moved down the stairs, through reception and safely outside to a waiting taxi. The injury, a minor fracture, was subsequently managed without complication and the pupil returned to school within a few days.

Evacuation chairs in schools

Evac+Chair designs and manufactures evacuation chairs for use across schools, workplaces and public buildings, with its equipment intended to support the evacuation of people who cannot use lifts during an emergency.

As part of the school’s preparations, Site Manager Adam Clarke and three other members of staff completed a Key Trainer course, enabling them to cascade training to colleagues and support the school’s evacuation procedures.

“Working with Evac+Chair has been a pleasure,” said Clarke. “The team provide excellent support and are always on hand to answer any questions. The training team delivered a Key Trainer course to me and three other members of staff.

“The course was informative and practical, enabling us to cascade training throughout our team and maintain compliance. I would like to thank everyone at Evac+Chair for their support and for supplying us with a brand new 300H, which is now in use within our school.”

Supporting inclusive emergency planning

Claire Blakemore, Managing Director of Evac+Chair, said evacuation planning was particularly important in education settings, where pupils may have permanent or temporary mobility requirements.

“Many schools include refuge areas as part of their evacuation planning; however, these are intended only as a temporary place of safety and do not replace the need for arrangements that enable full evacuation,” Blakemore said.

“Schools must ensure that all pupils, staff and visitors can reach a place of safety in any emergency, particularly where lifts cannot be used.”

Blakemore added that Franche Community Primary School had demonstrated a commitment to inclusive safety by combining appropriate equipment with staff training and practical experience.

“With pupils of all abilities, and the potential for temporary injuries, having the right equipment and trained staff is an essential part of comprehensive safety planning,” she said.

“By actively using Evac+Chairs in both drills and real incidents, Franche Community Primary School is setting a strong example of best practice for schools, helping to ensure emergency procedures are safe, practical and inclusive.”