USABILITY EVALUATION OF A WHEELCHAIR-ACCESSIBLE EVACUATION LIFT FOR LONG-TERM CARE HOSPITAL EMERGENCIES

Emergencies, such as fires, pose major risks to long-term care hospitals, where residents often face cognitive and physical impairments that impede evacuation. Conventional evacuation devices, such as rescue chutes and descent mechanisms, are frequently unsuitable, leading to delayed evacuations and casualties. This study develops and evaluates the usability of a wheelchair-accessible evacuation lift designed to address these challenges. The device enables vertical evacuation without electricity and supports weights up to 400 kg to accommodate wheelchair users and caregivers. Usability evaluations were conducted on 15 participants who performed evacuation tasks including boarding, descending, and disembarking. Physiological signals (electromyography, heart rate, and breathing rate) were recorded to assess physical strain. The results showed increased muscle activity, particularly in the left arm (43.73% muscle usage), and elevated heart and breathing rates, indicating the need for user training to reduce physical stress. Overall, the participants rated the lift positively in terms of safety (mean score: 4.11/5), functionality (4.34/5), and convenience (4.51/5). Key improvement areas include the addition of nonslip surfaces, better wheelchair restraints, and user-friendly lever designs. These findings demonstrate the evacuation lift's potential to improve safety during emergencies. Further refinements and simulations in realistic scenarios are recommended to enhance its usability and effectiveness.