Moving a person who cannot walk down stairs is a high-risk situation requiring careful preparation to prevent serious injury to both the person being moved and the helper. This task should only be undertaken if professional emergency services are unavailable, delayed, or if the environment presents an immediate, life-threatening hazard, such as a fire. Safety is the priority, meaning any decision to move a non-ambulatory person must be weighed against the danger of an uncontrolled descent or improper lifting technique.
Prior Assessment and Safety Checks
Before initiating movement, a swift assessment of the situation is mandatory to establish the safest course of action. You must immediately call 911 if the person displays symptoms suggestive of a spinal or severe head injury, or if their weight significantly exceeds your ability to manage a controlled descent. Moving an individual with a potential spinal injury without specialized training can result in permanent paralysis, so caution is advised.
The person must be assessed for their level of consciousness and capacity to assist, even minimally, by holding on or bracing themselves. Simultaneously, check the environment, ensuring the staircase is clear of tripping hazards and that lighting is adequate. Communication should be established early, explaining the process clearly to the non-ambulatory person to gain cooperation and minimize anxiety.
Manual Evacuation Techniques
When no specialized equipment is available, several manual techniques can be employed, prioritizing the helper’s body mechanics and controlled weight distribution. For any technique, the heaviest person, typically the helper, must be positioned at the lower end of the descent to manage the weight and slow the pace. This positioning allows gravity to assist the movement without allowing it to become a free fall.
The Blanket or Sheet Drag is best suited for an individual who is unconscious, severely injured, or unable to assist with their own movement. The person is rolled onto a sturdy blanket or sheet, which is then wrapped around them, focusing on securing the head and spine. The helper pulls the wrapped person feet-first down the stairs, using the blanket to distribute the friction and control the slide over the edges of the steps.
If the person is conscious and can maintain an upright posture, the Two-Person Seat Carry offers a more controlled method of movement. Two helpers face each other, squatting on either side of the person, then link their arms to form a seat beneath the person’s thighs and behind their back. This technique requires synchronized movement and strong communication, with the person being moved instructed to wrap their arms around the helpers’ necks for stability.
A risky alternative for a single, strong helper is the Forward or Backward Single-Person Slide, which leverages gravity. The helper positions themselves behind the person, who is seated on the steps, and slides them down one step at a time while providing padding and support for the head and neck. This method places considerable strain on the helper’s back and shoulders and is considered a last resort when no second person is available.
Specialized Evacuation Equipment
Purpose-built tools facilitate safer and more controlled stair descent than manual carries, offering a safety advantage. Evacuation Chairs, often called stair chairs, are the most common device, featuring a track or belt system that glides smoothly over the edges of the stairs. These chairs secure the person with a harness and use friction to slow the descent, allowing a single trained operator to manage the process.
Evacuation Mats or Sleds are designed to provide full-body support, especially for individuals who are bedridden or require a lying position during movement. These devices are constructed from durable, low-friction materials that allow the person to be dragged or slid down the stairs while fully contained. They are frequently used in institutional settings like hospitals or care homes, where the need for full spinal and body stability is high.
In dire scenarios where no professional equipment is available, durable belts or ropes can be improvised to create a sling or harness for better control during a manual drag. This is a measure of last resort, as improvised equipment lacks the safety features and structural integrity of purpose-built tools.
Post-Evacuation Protocol
Once the person is moved off the stairs and onto a stable, safe surface, the focus shifts to their well-being and stabilization. An immediate assessment for new injuries is necessary, inspecting for abrasions, bruising, or any new signs of pain resulting from the movement. Any complaint of new back or neck pain requires the person to be kept still and immobilized.
The person should be made comfortable and warm, and their physical and emotional state stabilized after the stressful event. If the descent was difficult, uncontrolled, or if any new pain or functional impairment is noted, professional medical attention should be sought immediately, even if the person seemed well before the move. This follow-up care ensures any internal or subtle injuries are properly diagnosed.
For long-term safety, this event should prompt a review of the home environment and mobility planning. Contacting professional mobility services or physical therapists can lead to permanent solutions, such as installing rails or investing in a dedicated evacuation device. This proactive step helps establish a long-term plan to prevent future manual, high-risk evacuations.