— And How ExitMaster’s Range Helps Keep Everyone Safe
In February 2024, MPs announced a debate on a petition calling for mandatory evacuation chairs in all schools and colleges. The petition — signed by thousands — highlights a serious and often overlooked issue: many buildings across the UK are still not equipped to safely evacuate people with reduced mobility during an emergency.
Whether during a fire alarm, power failure or lift breakdown, no one should be left behind. With more organisations now reviewing their fire safety responsibilities, evacuation chairs are becoming an essential part of inclusive building design.
At Millercare, we support this movement towards safer, more accessible environments. That’s why we’re introducing a dedicated product range of professional evacuation chairs from Enable Access, creators of the ExitMaster series — one of the safest, most ergonomic evacuation chair families available today.
Why Evacuation Chairs Are So Important
During an emergency, lifts cannot be used — meaning anyone who cannot descend stairs independently must be assisted. An evacuation chair provides a controlled, dignified way to move a person downstairs safely, operated by just one trained person.
The Parliamentary debate highlights a national issue, especially in schools and colleges, where students with disabilities rely on staff for safe evacuation. But the same responsibility applies to businesses, hospitals, care settings, public buildings and housing providers.
Why We Chose ExitMaster (Enable Access)
The ExitMaster range is manufactured in Britain by Enable Access, a leading UK accessibility equipment specialist. Their chairs are designed to be:
- Safer and more comfortable — with supportive seating and smooth “Stairblade” traction
- Easy to operate — featuring “stoop-free” and “free-walk” ergonomic designs
- Suitable for one-person operation thanks to upright 4-wheel systems
- Built to high UK standards for long-term reliability
The result is a range of five models suitable for different environments, budgets and evacuation strategies.
The ExitMaster Evacuation Chair Range at Millercare
1. ExitMaster Versa — The Flagship All-Rounder
The Versa offers a perfect balance of comfort, safety and ease of use. Key features:
- Ergonomic “stoop-free” and “free-walk” operator design
- Upright 4-wheel system for single-operator use
- Top-step safety feature for confident loading
- Passenger footrest for added comfort
2. ExitMaster Versa Plus — Enhanced Mobility Support
The Versa Plus includes all Versa features, plus important upgrades:
- Mobility handles for easier travel along corridors
- Stoop-free ergonomic operation
- Upright 4-wheel design for smooth control
- Top-step safety feature & passenger footrest
3. ExitMaster Versa Elite — Premium Comfort & Maximum Safety
The most advanced chair in the ExitMaster range, featuring:
- Four-point passenger harness for maximum security
- Armrests for increased comfort during evacuation
- Mobility handles for enhanced manoeuvrability
- Top-step safety feature & passenger footrest
4. ExitMaster Ego — Affordable, Lightweight & Practical
- Upright 4-wheel design for single-person operation
- Supportive, comfortable seating
- Fixed handle for quick deployment
- Passenger footrest for secure positioning
5. ExitMaster Original — Trusted, Traditional Kickstand Design
- Classic “kickstand” descent system
- Ergonomic “free-walk” operator movement for reduced strain
- Supportive seating improved over older-style models
Supporting Inclusive Safety in UK Buildings
Evacuation chairs help organisations meet their legal responsibilities by ensuring:
- No one is left behind during an emergency
- People with mobility challenges are evacuated safely and with dignity
- Staff can operate equipment confidently and without strain
Millercare will support organisations with product advice, training guidance and assessments as needed.
Browse the ExitMaster Range at Millercare
A complete evacuation chair category will soon be available under our Wheelchairs section, with full product pages for each model.
Need help choosing the right chair?
rehabilitation@millercare.co.uk for expert guidance.