Patient Rescue Sheet

For emergency evacuation of non-ambulant patients.

The Rescue Sheet is kept in position under the mattress with strong elastic corner straps. Daily bed making is as normal. If a fire should occur, the webbing straps are removed from their pockets and quickly done up around the patient. The mattress and the patient are then lowered onto the floor for very fast and safe evacuation, without staff having to carry them. By using the Rescue Sheet, the patient is pro­tected by their mattress and they can be easily taken down stairs to safety, if necessary. After evacuation, the patient can be left still ‘cocooned’ in the Rescue Sheet and this is helpful with patients who are liable to wander. Note: The ‘cross’ straps are sewn across the full width of the Rescue Sheet to provide extra security in case the strong nylon material should tear on a rough surface, i.e. driveways, roads, etc. All staff should have regular fire drills, so that in an emergency they are familiar with evacuation procedures.

To Install: The Rescue Sheet is positioned under the mattress with the four elastic straps over each corner of the mattress to help keep the Rescue Sheet in position when bed making. The cross straps should be folded into the pockets provided, ready for easy access in an emergency.

To Use: Pull the cross straps out of the pockets and join the buckle with the strap from the opposite pocket over patient and bed clothes. A pillow may be placed on the patient’s chest and another across the legs, under the cross straps to further protect the patient.

Pull the cross straps tight to ‘cocoon’ the patient, complete with sheets and blankets still inside the mattress. Lower the mattress and the patient off the bed and slide along the floor to safety by using the towing straps at either end. If required, we can supply additional towing straps that can be attached to the normal straps. This allows some Carers to pull the longer strap over their shoulders. Check with your Manual Handling Specialist about using these straps.

This sheet slides very well on lino, but is more difficult on carpet. We also make a Patient Rescue Sheet that will slide far better on carpet, the Patient Rescue Sheet for Carpet. However this item does not slide as well on lino. Before buying consider if more sliding will be on lino or carpet.

Patient Rescue Sheet Extension Straps are also available to attach to the towing straps on the Patient Rescue Sheets. These allow the pulling to be done from a different position or to give more access for two people to pull.

Plan Escape Routes: Do not have hall furniture that may impede pulling the mattress and patient down a corridor. Make sure that there is enough space to leave the bedroom and to turn in the corridor. The Rescue Sheets slide better on vinyl or tile surfaces compared to carpet. Some establishments have replaced carpets with tiles to make the sliding easier.

There are many names by which this type of item is known. Some include: Evacuation Sheets, Fire Sheets, Fire Rescue Sheets, Fire Evacuation Sheets, Fire Blankets, or Ski Sheets.

Most fires start in laundries and kitchens. Make sure that you can evacuate the building without passing these high risk areas. Have alternative escape routes if the fire originates from a bedroom. Consult your Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist or Back Care Specialist when using Manual Handling Products.

Washing: Hand or machine wash, up to 80°C. Air dry in shade. Do not tumble dry. Do not use fabric softener. Use a netting bag to contain the long straps if machine washing.