EMERGENCY EVACUATIONS


Expectations are shifting. When wheelchair user Lucas Vezza-O’Brien was unable to evacuate during a school fire and told to wait in a refuge area, it sparked the #NoStudentLeftBehind campaign and parliamentary debate on school preparedness. Too often, evacuation plans prioritise the majority over a diverse population.


FROM REACTIVE RESPONSE TO ANTICIPATORY RESPONSIBILITY


Responsibility is increasingly focused on planning and anticipation rather than response, but effective anticipation requires understanding who may be at risk during an evacuation and what support they need.


In 2024, around 16.8 million people in the UK were living with a disability, nearly a quarter of the population, including more than 5.5 million in employment. With around 80% of disabilities invisible and more people working beyond retirement age, organisations must plan for a more diverse workforce.


These figures challenge assumptions about who may need assistance in an emergency. Mobility impairment extends beyond permanent wheelchair users to include people recovering from surgery, late-stage pregnancy, fluctuating conditions, or cognitive and mental health challenges.


As workplaces, residential and public spaces become more inclusive, emergency planning must reflect the same consideration.


ACCESSIBILITY IS ONLY HALF THE STORY


Access to buildings has improved, with ramps, lifts and accessible facilities now widely expected. Yet far less attention has been given to whether everyone can evacuate safely. In most multi-storey buildings, staircases remain the main escape route, leaving those with mobility impairments reliant on assistance when lifts cannot be used.


The Grenfell Inquiry highlighted the risks of relying on a single evacuation strategy. The ‘stay put’ approach works only when fire safety systems perform as intended; when they fail, evacuation becomes urgent and complex, especially for those unable to leave independently.


EMBEDDING INCLUSIVE PREPAREDNESS


Legislation sets the framework, but preparedness depends on implementation. Effective evacuation planning requires aligned equipment, training and maintenance.


Evacuation equipment should suit the building layout and occupants’ mobility needs. In public and multi- storey premises, this often requires adaptable solutions for different evacuation scenarios.


Manufacturers specialising in evacuation solutions are increasingly designing equipment to support a wider range of mobility needs, supported by training and servicing to ensure readiness. With more than 40 years of experience, Evac+Chair manufactures its evacuation chairs in the UK and emphasises that inclusive evacuation is about more than simply installing equipment.


However, equipment alone cannot guarantee safety. In high-pressure situations, staff must be trained and confident in the safe deployment and operation of Evac+Chairs, while supporting individuals who may already be vulnerable or distressed.


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Maintenance is critical. As Class I medical devices, Evac+Chairs require annual inspection and servicing under PUWER. Failure to maintain equipment introduces avoidable risk and potential compliance failures. Effective evacuation relies on three elements: suitable equipment, trained personnel and regular servicing.


LEARNING BEFORE THE NEXT CRISIS


Each major disaster that has driven reform was preceded by identifiable vulnerabilities. The introduction of Martyn’s Law and RPEEPs marks important progress, but legislation alone cannot eliminate risk.


Responsible persons must anticipate threats, assess individual needs and ensure evacuation procedures are practical, tested and inclusive.


Inclusive evacuation is no longer a niche issue; it is central to responsible risk management and modern building safety governance.


Preparedness is measured by outcomes, not documentation. When an emergency occurs, systems must function, equipment must perform and people must act with confidence. When the alarm sounds, no one should be left behind.


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