On 26 January 2018 at 02:00, a fire was discovered at a care home in Tibro. What started near the main entrance quickly developed into an extensive fire. For staff, fires in care homes are a nightmare scenario. Especially when patients have difficulty evacuating on their own.
Thanks to a quick action by the night staff, the residents were rescued with the help of evacuation mattresses and other aids, saving five people from the flats closest to the fire.
Due to the heavy smoke, staff were unable to extinguish the fire themselves. Four people suffered smoke inhalation injuries and were treated on site by ambulance staff, three of whom required hospitalisation. One of the victims was a resident, while two were staff members involved in the evacuation.
Fire risk and safety in care homes
The fire was contained to the building where it started, but the heavy smoke damaged large parts of the property. It was later determined that the fire was arson. This is a reminder of the importance of preventive measures to reduce the risk of fires in healthcare settings.
The most common cause of fires in the healthcare sector in Sweden is arson. This is particularly true in correctional and psychiatric facilities. Therefore, it is important to choose fire-rated mattresses and textiles to minimise the risk of fires. By investing in fireproof products, both patients and staff can be better protected.
Effective evacuation: how healthcare organisations prepare for fires
When healthcare fires occur, evacuation is one of the most stressful situations healthcare workers can face. Being prepared is crucial, as every minute counts when it comes to saving lives. Research shows that emergency services can usually arrive at the scene of an accident within 10 to 15 minutes, but in the first few minutes, it is up to healthcare workers to start evacuating and minimising the damage.
To facilitate evacuation in the event of a healthcare fire, it is important that care homes and hospitals use specially designed evacuation mattresses or 'rescue sheets'. These devices allow a single person to evacuate a patient quickly and safely, even in difficult conditions. Evacuation mattresses are equipped with strong handles that allow the mattress, with the patient strapped on top, to be pulled through corridors and down stairs.
Having the right equipment in place is crucial. Without evacuation mattresses, it can take up to four people to move a patient, especially through narrow corridors and stairs. With the right equipment, evacuation can be done faster and with fewer staff resources, which is crucial in an emergency.
Fire protection through proper equipment and preparation
Fires in the healthcare sector are a serious risk that requires careful preparation and the right equipment. By investing in fire-rated mattresses and textiles, as well as evacuation mattresses or rescue blankets, healthcare organisations can reduce the risk of catastrophic consequences. Being prepared and having the right tools in place can make the difference between life and death in a fire.
The fire hazard in figures
Swedish statistics
In 2023, 1031 fires and fire incidents were reported in Swedish hospitals and other forms of accommodation and care, and in the prison system. This corresponds to almost three emergency calls per day.
Statistics from the United States
From 2014 to 2016, there were approximately 5 800 fires reported annually in medical facilities in the United States.
English (UK) 
Svenska 
Deutsch 
Nederlands 
Norsk bokmål 