Emergency equipment

Slide pads and sheets are an option for emergency evacuation equipment for immobile clients. Slide pads are similar to small mattresses; they have straps to secure clients and slippery surfaces underneath so they can be dragged along floors and down stairs with clients lying down. Emergency slide sheets are fitted underneath mattresses. They have straps that can be fastened over mattresses to secure clients to the mattresses, and slippery surfaces so the sheets with clients and mattresses can be dragged along the floor. 

A backboard or spine board is used to immobilise and transport a client with a suspected spinal injury in an emergency. It is a rigid, full‑body‑length board to which the client is strapped. These boards may be made from sheet aluminium with a tubular aluminium frame, wood with a special waterproof coating, or coated plywood board 

A scoop stretcher is a lightweight, concave stretcher that separates into two sections along its length. It can be placed under a client from each side without the need to roll or lift them. The concave surface supports the client, minimising lateral movement and reducing the risk of further injury. The client can then be carried to a location where further medical treatment can be administered. The scoop stretcher may have a narrow foot‑end frame for handling in confined areas. It folds up for storage and has locking length‑adjustment latches that snap into place. Some companies are now producing combined boards (‘combi boards’) that include the features of both spine boards and scoop stretchers. 

A combination stretcher and carry chair is an option for transporting clients in an emergency. It can be configured for use as a wheeled chair, a stair chair or a flat stretcher. 

An emergency evacuation chair, which can be used for transporting clients down stairs. 

There are numerous types of equipment and mobility aid other than the ones described in earlier sections. If a client is able to bear some of their own weight for a short period of time, there are various devices available to assist in transfers between bed, chair and toilet. Some of these aids can be used to help clients move short distances, or to stand in a supported manner. They range from simple to more technical, such as walkers, transfer belts and stand to sit lifts