Darren Franks, director of GLOBEX Evacuation Limited, explains why care home operators and managers need to take a closer look at their emergency evacuation procedures
Evacuating an upper or lower floor level of a commercial building in the event of an emergency — or when lifts cannot be used — is something most people take for granted — simply follow the fire exit signs and walk up or down the stairs. However, for mobility impaired persons, it is not so simple.
In a care home, mobility impaired residents and visitors may be dependent on staff assistance to get them to a place of safety in the event of an emergency or when lifts cannot be used — but are suitable and sufficient provisions really in place in every home?
A fire at Rosepark care home in Uddingston, South Lanarkshire, in January 2004 resulted in the deaths of 14 elderly residents. An inquiry found that "some or all" of these deaths could have been prevented had Rosepark had a "suitable and sufficient" fire safety plan.
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