EVACUATING PERSONS WITH LIMITED MOBILITY OR SPECIAL NEEDS
When an emergency strikes, it is critical for everyone to take appropriate and deliberate action. If you observe a person with a disability having difficulty evacuating, remember to ask if assistance is needed before taking action. Inquire how best to assist the individual and whether any precautionary measures need to be taken or items need to accompany the person.
UTHSC does not recommend carrying anyone who has functional needs, or injured, out of the building during an emergency unless imminent danger is present to the person or persons.
Functional needs or injured persons should be placed in an area of refuge, such as a stairwell, and shelter in place. First responders shall be notified of the location of the person that is sheltered in place by anyone exiting the building.
The reasoning for not evacuating persons who are non-ambulatory, or have mobility needs are complex. Overall, wheel chairs are heavy and require at least 4 people to move them down stairwells. Other situations such as chair carry, or arm carry can cause harm not only to the person needing assistance, but those providing assistance (such as a fall, or other incident).
Fire Department personnel, who are trained in emergency rescue, can will enter the building and assist the person in exiting the building, either down the stairs or using the emergency elevator recall.
Visually impaired persons
- Communicate nature of emergency. Describe nature of emergency and the location if relevant.
- Offer assistance. Offer your arm to assist with guiding the individual.
- Communicate verbally. Provide details about where you are going and any obstacles the person may encounter along the route
- Orient and inquire. Once at a safe location, orient the individual to the location and inquire if further assistance is needed before leaving the location.
Hearing impaired persons
Some campus buildings are equipped with audible fire alarms which should be activated during an emergency. However, hearing impaired individuals may not receive the audible signal. Use an alternative warning system. Several methods can be used, including:
- Use Gestures or Written Notes: Write a note to tell the person of the situation, the nearest evacuation route, and where to meet outside. (Sample script: “FIRE! Go out the rear door on your right. NOW. Meet outside on the front lawn.”)
- Alert the individual(s): Turn the light switch on and off to gain their attention and then indicate through gestures or in writing what is happening and what to do. Do not use the light switch technique if you smell natural gas in the area.
Limited Mobility needs – Non-wheelchair user
- Discuss needs and preferences–ask if assistance is needed. Inquire if the person is able to evacuate using the stairs without help or with minor assistance
- Ensure clear path of travel. If debris is present, it may be necessary to clear a path to the exit route.
- No imminent danger. If there is no imminent danger, the person may choose to remain in the building or to be directed to an Area of Refuge (stairwell) until emergency personnel arrive.
- Imminent danger. If danger is imminent, use a sturdy chair, with or without wheels, to move the person, or help carry the person to safety using a carry technique, or, if available, use an evacuation chair.
- Mobility aids or devices. Return any mobility aids or devices to the person as soon as possible.
- Notify emergency personnel. Notify emergency personnel immediately about any individuals remaining in the building and their locations.
Mobility Limitations – Wheelchair User
- Discuss needs and preferences. Non-ambulatory persons’ needs and preferences vary widely and therefore require you to ask them how they would like to be assisted.
- Wheelchair-user on the ground floor. Individuals who use wheelchairs may choose to evacuate themselves from the ground floor with minimal assistance.
- Ensure clear path of travel. If debris is present, it may be necessary to clear a path to the exit.
- No imminent danger. If there is no imminent danger, the person may choose to remain in the building or to be directed to an Area of Refuge (stairwell) until emergency personnel arrive. Fire Department personnel, who are trained in emergency rescue, can then enter the building and assist the person in exiting the building, either down the stairs or using the emergency elevator recall.
- Imminent danger. If danger is imminent and the individual does not wish to be removed from his or her wheelchair, direct the person to the nearest Area of Refuge (stairwell) and notify emergency personnel immediately. While staying in place, the wheelchair user should keep in direct contact with UTHSC PD by dialing (901) 448-1334 from a (cell) phone and reporting directly pertinent information including the location.
- Carrying wheelchair users. Most wheelchairs are too heavy to carry down stairs. If the person wishes to be carried down the stairs without the wheelchair, consult with him or her on the best carry options, e.g., two-person cradle carry, office chair evacuation, or, if available, an evacuation chair.
- Mobility aids or devices. Return any mobility aids or devices to the person as soon as possible
- Notify emergency personnel. Notify emergency personnel immediately about any individuals remaining in the building and their locations.
Scott Campbell, Campus Emergency Management and Safety Officer
Safety Office – Facilities
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
201 East Street, Room 209
Memphis, TN, 38163
Email: Scampb62@uthsc.edu
(901) 448-1334 (W)
(504) 377-2619 (C)