The following is a summary of these two types of evacuations. It does not refer to evacuation out of the building, or walking up or down the stairs. The area of refuge may be separated by fire or smoke barriers such as corridor doors or stair doors. Such horizontal movement must lead to an EXIT without requiring return to the evacuated area.
Horizontal evacuation requires at least two co-workers or buddies.
One of the assisting individuals or buddies will stay with the PCO, and the other will evacuate and report the location where the PCO is awaiting for further evacuation assistance. Assisting individuals or buddies will not move the PCO in to the elevator lobby, unless instructed to do so by the responding Fire Department. Vertical evacuation is performed only when absolutely necessary because of the risk usually involved in the vertical movement of the PCOs. The responding fire department will usually perform vertical evacuation if it becomes necessary. Assisting individuals or buddies will perform vertical evacuation only if a PCO is able to walk down the stairwell with their assistance.