We used to use evac chairs and got training their use from a former fireman working as a trainer. We have moved away from these chairs for several reasons:

1. Many of our pupils couldn't self transfer to the seats so a host transfer works be required which makes it all too slow.

2. The chairs didn't provide enough support for some of our pupils.

3. The chairs are quite scary to use as pupils or staff and needed us to not only train lots of staff but also practice with the pupils to maintain skills and keep the pupil confidence high.

We have moved on to using emergency slings designed to be carried out. Advantages:

1. Having a range of sizes easily covers all pupils in school, including those with temporary need due to broken legs etc.

2. Pupils with PD are often used to being in a sling and find out easier to adapt to them.

3. Quick.

4. Training need is reduced.

Hi Gemma,

Assessment is the key -  you will have students who can do a standing transfer or a slide transfer. You will also have students who will be unable to do either and you need to consider alternatives such as lifting slings.

I have used Yorkshire care equipment - their rep will come out and do a joint assessment with the evac chair and they can discuss other options if required. There are extra bits that can be added onto chairs such as head rests, lap straps, arm rests, deluxe model for higher level of need etc. The reps will also arrange training for school staff when the equipment is delivered. I have a number of schools in County Durham where we have provided evac chairs and staff have been trained by the rep.

If you want to consider lifting slings the Promove sling is a great. Available from ProMove UK , is easy to fit under student. They have videos on their website if you want to see how it works.

Gurby

On our wheelchair skills training courses we use an Evac chair and demonstrate it's use to help familiarise wheelchair users with the equipment. We use a chair from a company called Evacusafe who have their own training programmes: https://www.evacusafe.co.uk/evacuation-chair-training/

As Robin mentions emergency slings may be a better option for those who require more support (also on the Evacusafe site).

We also run disability/wheelchair awareness training in schools for pupils and staff: https://www.go-kids-go.org.uk/

Hi

In Hull we managed to get some samples of ski-pads etc. from manufacturers and use these and the equipment already on-site to assess needs and provide training to staff on recommended equipment/techniques.

I'd like also to recommend Roy Wild and his Go Kids Go team (see Roy's post) who provide excellent wheelchair training sessions in schools. Roy very kindly came in to give a 6th form dance group a wheelchair awareness session for us, as one of the group was in a wheelchair. The session went down very well - informative and great fun and was much appreciated by the students and staff in the school