What kind of evacuation method involves using stairs to move patients down to lower floors?

The correct answer is vertical evacuation. This term refers specifically to the movement of patients or individuals both upward and downward within a building, often in response to emergencies such as fires or other evacuation situations. When utilizing stairs to transport patients down to lower floors, the action inherently involves vertical movement, which characterizes this evacuation method.

Understanding the distinction is important because it highlights how evacuation strategies differ based on the type of movement required—vertical for up and down, and horizontal for moving individuals across the same level. Each method is designed to address specific scenarios and ensure the safety and efficiency of evacuating individuals in different situations.