Function

The function of Special Assistants are to assist in the evacuation of Person Requiring Assistance (broken leg, pregnancy, physically challenged, blind, deaf or hearing impaired, heart condition, etc.). Person Requiring Assistance must be identified and considered prior to any emergency evacuation.

Persons not requiring or providing assistance will evacuate first. Persons requiring special assistance can then evacuate in an effort to avoid injury. If there is evidence of fire, persons requiring special assistance should be positioned near the emergency exit located farthest away from the fire. If fire conditions pose a personal threat, the Special Assistants will enter into the emergency stairwell accompanying the person requiring assistance and wait for help from the fire department. The Emergency Response Team members may assist in evacuating the person(s) requiring special assistance if danger is imminent and the fire department has not yet arrived. Please note that the fire department has control of the elevators thereby being able to efficiently assist and relocate the persons requiring assistance without creating blockage in the stairwell. It is helpful if these Special Assistants have radios or cell phones in order to communicate with Building Management, fire and police departments.

Duties

• Know the location and use of all fire and emergency related equipment found on the floor or area that they are assigned.

• Be completely familiar with the building and floor layouts and exits, and company’s designated meeting areas.

• There should be a minimum two (2) people assigned to assist an individual.

• Ensures person requiring assistance is relocated to the stairwell.

  • The Special Assistant waits until all occupants on the floor(s) have evacuated.

• One of the assistants is responsible for immediately reporting the location of the person requiring assistance.