Katie Bush

Industrial Design, 2024

When mass casualty incidents (MCI) occur, bystanders on scene are often the first to get involved in rescue efforts, yet lack the necessary resources to respond.

Introducing the StairSafe Stretcher: A dynamic motion stairwell stretcher.

During emergency evacuations, injured or disabled individuals may need stair chairs to facilitate stairwell evacuation.  Existing devices are often reserved for first response teams due to their bulkiness and cost, leaving bystanders helpless in their response efforts. The StairSafe stretcher is designed to assist bystanders with the evacuation of movement-impaired individuals within multi-story buildings.

Unlike existing stair chairs on the market, the StairSafe auto-leveling technology allows for a dynamic transition between a flat form for use on flat areas, and a chair form for use on changing inclinations, such as stairwells. Navigating tight corners and bends is quick and easy with the compact design of the StairSafe Stretcher.

The StairSafe Stretcher can be integrated with StairSafe Wall Hooks, accommodating up to four stretchers, or within the StairSafe Rolling Cart, which allows for the transport of up to eight stretchers simultaneously.  Various storage options allow businesses and organizations to strategically implement the StairSafe Stretcher system.

StairSafe Stretcher:  Take the Steps for a Safer Tomorrow

Katie Bush is a senior Industrial Design student graduating in the Spring of 2024.  She has a particular interest in social justice and enjoys designing for equity and accessibility.  Her design work is led with the mantra: think globally, act locally. After graduation, her hope is to use her design skills to solve problems and help others.

See Katie’s work at: https://katherinebush.myportfolio.com/work