Evacuation Chairs Australia

jappleton@repub.com

BELCHERTOWN - The School Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to purchase three pieces of equipment designed to move students with physical disabilities out of the school building during an emergency, such as a fire.

School Superintendent Richard A. Pazasis said he has been wrestling with what to do about handicapped students at Belchertown High School and Jabish Brook Middle School, both of which have second floors.

"I have finally found a solution, the Evacu-Trac," Pazasis told the School Committee.

The committee voted unanimously to buy three of these specially designed evacuation chairs for a total of $7,650, which includes shipping.

Pazasis said he had considered buying more than three but considered the budget limitations and decided that three would be good for now.

The money for the purchase can come from the School Department's School Choice account.

Pazasis said there is a need for this type of chair because electrically powered elevators do not work in case of fire and wheel chairs cannot safely be used on stairs in emergencies.

Belchertown High School and Jabish Brook Middle School are the only schools in the system higher than one story.

The plan is to put one of the chairs at Jabish Brook and two at the high school.

"This will really help solve the problem," Pazasis said. "This is the only solution I could find."

Training will be provided along with the purchase.

Pazasis said that school personnel and firefighters will be trained in the use of the new equipment.

The passenger in an Evacu-Trac sits in a sling seat and is secured by three Velcro straps.

The chair may be wheeled along flat surfaces and a track, connected to a hand-brake, is used when descending stairs.

A compact storage cabinet will be supplied with each chair. They are described by the manufacturer, as being able to be set up in just a few seconds. They are designed for an easy transfer of someone from a wheelchair.

"They are very easy to use," Pazasis said.