Fire evacuation in healthcare: 'Everyone is an evacuator'

 Why? Because evacuating in the healthcare sector is simply not as simple as: ‘Everyone out quickly!’.

What makes evacuating in care so difficult?

Evacuating in a care institution is a lot more complicated than in an office. Many residents cannot leave independently - think of people who are bedridden, in wheelchairs or have difficulty dealing with stimuli and changes. And then there are narrow corridors, closed wards, night shifts with minimal staffing... So you understand: extra challenges.

According to Article 6.20 of the Building Decree, everyone must be able to leave a building safely in case of fire. And that means we cannot let it depend on the FAFS officers alone. Evacuating is a team effort.

But how do you ensure that everyone in the organisation knows their role? And also dare to act when it is really necessary?

Time for a new approach: everyone is an evacuator!

At Wilgh, we believe that safety starts with cooperation. FAFS officers are very important, but in the healthcare sector they are not enough. That is why we train all employees - regardless of their position - so they know what to do in the event of a fire or evacuation.

Our approach? Practical, realistic and tailored to your location.

Everyone learns the basics

We teach all colleagues how they can contribute to a safe evacuation. Recognising escape routes, guiding clients, communication during an emergency - these are things everyone can learn.

Practice in practice (not just on paper)

A standard evacuation drill? That is not enough. That's why we organise scenarios that can really happen at your location. Think of:

 -A fire at night, with minimal occupancy

 -Bedridden residents who need to be evacuated

 -Patients or family members who panic

This makes practice not only instructive, but also realistic.

Working together = faster and safer

We focus on working together. Because in an evacuation, you are not a solo hero - you do it together. And if everyone knows what the other is doing, things go faster and better. It strengthens the team spirit and the feeling of safety.

What are the benefits?

By training everyone as an ‘evacuator’, you get:

-Faster reactions: no more waiting for the FAFS officer, but immediate action

-Greater safety for clients: help arrives faster

-Better cooperation: everyone knows what their role is

You comply with the law, and you really put those rules into practice

Tips to get started right away

✅ Do a risk analysis: what challenges are specific to your location? Are there narrow corridors? Many bedridden clients?

✅ Make evacuation negotiable: Explain why it is important. Involve your team from the start.

✅ Do a table-top exercise: Walk through an emergency scenario together without immediately practising physically.Super good for awareness.

✅ Keep repeating it: Safety is not a one-off action. Keep the topic alive in team meetings or internal newsletters.

Together towards a safer healthcare institution
At Wilgh, we take a different approach. No dry theory or standard FAFS training, but a fresh and practical approach that fits in with healthcare. Because safety is not something you add - it is something you do together.

Would you like to know what we can do for your organisation? Or are you curious about what our training courses look like? Feel free to contact us. We are happy to think along with you!