Feasibility of evacuating vulnerable people during a tsunami: Comparing assistant velocities with a wheelchair, transport chair, and rollator on three different inclines outdoors

Abstract

Abstract This study aims to analyze and compare the transportation feasibility of the following three tsunami evacuation support devices that carry vulnerable persons: (A) a rollator, (B) a transport chair, and (C) a wheelchair. Each of these supports was examined for its feasibility during transit along a steep slope, gentle slope, and flat land. The results indicated that the rollator was the most feasible tool, followed by the transport chair and the wheelchair; however, having the assistance of support personnel enabled the victims to flee faster and more effectively. Furthermore, the findings indicate that although wheelchairs are the most effective in evacuating vulnerable persons, all the studied tools can provide assistance.

Keywords

• incline
• rollator
• tsunami evacuation
• vulnerable people
• wheelchair