What does horizontal evacuation involve?

Horizontal evacuation involves moving patients to a safer location on the same level of a building, typically to the other side of fire doors. This method is employed during emergencies, such as fires, where moving individuals to a different floor or outside may not be the safest option due to smoke or other hazards. By relocating patients horizontally, staff can effectively minimize the risks associated with vertical evacuation, such as exposure to smoke or potential hazards while traversing stairs. This strategy ensures that patients remain in a stable environment while still being safeguarded from immediate threats.