What is an evacuation sheet, and how does it work?
Do you work in the aged care, disability, hospital, and community care sector, which involves many situations requiring evacuations? Although there are various evacuation methods for non-ambulatory patients, the safest and most effective is using an under-mattress evacuation sheet. It’s highly functional, sturdy, and mobile and works best for emergencies. Here is more information on it.
What is an evacuation sheet?
An evacuation sheet is a small material meant to be placed on the floor, under the bed, and in other low-lying areas. It allows you to move quickly and easily if you need to evacuate someone quickly.
The difference between an Evacsafe evacuation sheet and an evacuation mat is that an evacuation mat can be used as a mattress pad and an emergency blanket when needed. The critical thing to remember about these two items is that they’re not meant for sleeping—they’re designed for quick getaways from danger zones like hurricanes or fires!
How does it work?
The evacuation sheet supports your body during an evacuation, reducing stress on your neck muscles (essential for supporting healthy blood flow) and allowing you to breathe deeply without interfering with your breathing pattern.
It is a slip-resistant, soft, non-woven bedding designed to keep patients comfortable and safe during an evacuation. It’s easy to clean, so you can use it again and again if necessary. The mat will also help keep your floor safe from damage caused by any fluids that may spill on the ground during transport.
The evacuation sheet is designed to stay in place while being transported on stretchers or wheeled carts—so there’s no need for additional supports or straps! If needed, though (like when transporting someone who has difficulty breathing), a caregiver can lift the patient’s head or shoulders off of the bed of their stretcher/cart with just one hand as they roll them out into another location.
What sizes does it come in?
Evacuation sheets come in different sizes depending on what type of room they’re going into, but most people choose between 6 inches or 9 inches wide by 12 inches long (or shorter). However, the average length of a sheet is 198 centimeters, 94 centimeters in width, and a safe working load of 200 kilograms.
Is it washable?
Yes, you can wash your evacuation sheets in the machine. They’re designed to be treated like any other fabric and will not shrink or lose shape. Manufacturers recommend using liquid detergent instead of detergent powder (which may contain sodium lauryl sulfate). Liquid detergents have less harsh ingredients than traditional powders and leave less residue when washed away.
Which material does it contain?
Most evacuation sheets are made from PVC foam, which is lightweight and easy to clean. The material that makes up an evacuation sheet is critical to its function. For example, a PVC foam mat will be much easier to clean than one made with coarser materials like polyurethane or polypropylene.
Is it durable?
Yes, an evacuation sheet is durable and made of high-quality materials that can withstand rough handling. Most evacuation sheets have a lifespan of 10 years or more—some even last for decades!
Evacuation sheets are helpful in situations that require emergency evacuations for non-ambulatory patients. These secure a patient tightly, have optimal functionality and comfort,, and have an impressive level of mobility.
