Emergency evacuation chairs are an excellent way to help a person with mobility impairment navigate stairs quickly and safely in a crisis. While we believe they're an essential part of your emergency preparedness plan, it can be tough to choose between competitors.
To help you find the best make and model for your needs, we compare the Stryker Evacuation Chair and the Mobile Stairlift EZ Evacuation Chair.
However, before we dive in, let’s look at key features of any chair that ensure it’s ultimately safe, and value for money.
Essential Features For Your Chosen Evacuation Chair
Before you purchase, confirm that your evacuation chair meets the following basic requirements:
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A light and durable frame. During an emergency, the speed of evacuation takes priority without compromising on the safety of the passenger or transporter. A light and durable frame helps you move as quickly as possible by minimizing the load on transporters (also reducing their risk of injury).
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A reasonable weight load. The maximum weight your evacuation chair can carry is a key consideration. Robust chairs should be able to carry at least 400lbs to ensure a safe evacuation, every time.
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Track system. Emergency evacuation chairs that have a track-system make tricky or tight staircases easier to maneuver. They also help distribute the weight, reducing risk of transporter injury.
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A warranty. Any reputable evacuation chair will be accompanied by a warranty and returns policy that safeguards you, in case of manufacturing faults. A good warranty should last for a minimum of 10 years, preferably longer.
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A build that considers both comfort and safety. The user of the evacuation chair should be comfortable, yet safe enough to carry. At the least, a good evacuation chair will include headrests, safety belts, an ergonomic seat and padded hand grips.
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A fair price. An evacuation chair is typically meant for emergencies rather than everyday use. It should not cost more than an everyday stairlift. Check out our blog post, Factors affecting emergency evacuation chair prices for more information.
Thankfully, both the Stryker Evacuation chair and Mobile Stairlift EZ Evacuation Chair sport these features. However, they’re far from identical.