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In an emergency call 999
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R - Reduced mobility

Watch this short video of fire spread and how reduced mobility could limit successful escape.

Physical abilities

A person with reduced mobility is not necessarily at greater risk of having a fire. However, if a fire should occur, they may be slow or unable to evacuate, making them more at risk from burns or smoke inhalation.

The following factors may inhibit the individual's ability to escape from the property in the event of a fire.

  • Movement - Is the individual immobile / cared for in bed?
  • Strength - Can the individual go from sitting to standing before mobilising?
  • Balance - Is the individual at risk of falls?
  • Mobility aids - Does the individual use mobility aids? Are they in reach?
  • Endurance - How far can a person walk without getting breathless?
  • Think falls - Is the person at risk of falls?

CHARLIE-P score

The CHARLIE-P score for ‘Reduced Mobility’ considers the support the individual needs to move to a place of safety in the event of a fire:

Score 1 2 4 8 10
Descriptor Rare Unlikely Possible Likely Almost certain
R Reduced mobility Fully Independent Uses mobility equipment, no additional support is needed Uses mobility equipment but lacks awareness of safety or limitations Mobility equipment and support from another person needed Cannot transfer or mobilise – needs hoist or cared for in bed

  1. 1 - Fully Independent

    Here, the person can mobilise and transfer independently

  2. 2 - Uses mobility equipment, no additional support needed

    Use this score if the individual can mobilise and transfer with equipment and/or a mobility aid without any help - this can include wheelchair or mobility scooter users who are able to manage their equipment independently.

    This score reflects that this individual may experience a delay when evacuating because they require their equipment to be nearby and/or charged (if electrical).

  3. 4 - Uses mobility equipment but lacks awareness of safety or limitations

    This score includes people who use a mobility aid but may forget to use it. They might be observed leaning on furniture or walls instead of using a stick or frame.

  4. 8 - Mobility equipment and support from another person needed

    An individual who needs extra support to move about their home should be given this score. This would include:

    • people who need physical help from a carer
    • those who need frequent reminders to use a frame or stick because they are forgetful
    • people who can only walk very short distances before needing to rest or
    • those who struggle significantly due to poor eyesight

    They are likely to be at high risk of falls.

  5. 10 - Full support needed

    An occupier cannot participate in moving themselves and needs equipment and the support of others to move is given this score. This may include needing a hoist or attendant-propelled wheelchair, and those who are cared for in bed.