Posted By Andy Binstead difficult to determine as seems to depend on location / design of stairways / numbers of rescuers / preference. issue that often arises though is training and use of the chairs. 1) is it too 'risky' to practice with a real person down stairs, and how do you train the rescuers (and deputies of course) in safe loading and use 2) someone who is likely to need help will often be unable to get into the evac type chair and therefore needs lifting into it, though hoisting is not RP as it is an emergency situation 3) they will be heavier than 25kg 4) can they be moved horizontally instead of vertically 5) are there suitable safe refuges in your buildings i've come across exactly the above in a previous existence, and ended up identifying suitable refuges. i also involved the same county fire and rescue service as yourself with notification and then procedure on alarm activation. we did not routinely practice due to the risk to both the person with disability and rescuers. any use?