There are three main challenges for the industry. First, healthcare as well as many other industries are facing staffing shortages and turnover since Covid hit. Keeping staff trained on equipment of any kind becomes challenging. That’s why it’s important that the products people use are intuitive. It is one of the reasons why we put instructions in both Universal Symbols and in English directly on our products. Secondly, there is a concern about the increase in “copycat” products hitting the market. The products we design, and manufacture go through rigorous testing for safety, for fire retardancy, and for antibacterial properties. They are also ergonomically designed. I advise all customers to ask questions about the integrity of any product before purchasing. Ask to see testing. Ask what the product is made of. Ask what the design features that help keep both rescuer and person being transported safe. Ask about the warranty. Lastly, there is a challenge to keep pricing affordable when materials and shipping costs are skyrocketing. We are thorough in our due diligence when sourcing all materials, and during all stages of design and production, so we can offer products that are affordable without compromising functionality and safety.

I talk to our customers very often and I listen to them. When they express a need, I begin brainstorming. Once I have a preliminary idea, I meet with my engineering team. Then I go through a process to access not only the marketability of a new product, but whether that product can offer significant value to its users. If it passes each assessment, then the exciting work of design and engineering begins. For example, I am most proud of the Newborn Baby Mover Apron which we developed with Wi-Care. While there were other apron style products on the market, I believed it was critical to incorporate a mesh panel around the face and head of newborns for air flow. We then added straps to secure babies and designed it ergonomically so that weight was distribute properly. We made many more improvements to the existing aprons from other manufacturers that were already on the market. The safety and utility of the Newborn Baby Mover Apron has proven in the field, and as a result it has been a very successful product.

The owner of the company, Allison Backhouse, was very supportive and introduced me to the world of evacuation with the AlbacMat Rescue Mat. It was the first product I sold when I started my business, and it has since remained my favorite for many reasons. The AlbacMat Emergency Rescue Mat allows patients to be evacuated down stairways and across all types of terrain. It has no wheels to snap and no pulleys to rig and therefore, enables a quick and simple evacuation. It is a very useful and effective product.

I am most often told it is because of the ease-of-use and innovative features of the many different products in our portfolio. Customers also like that then can choose from a wide variety of products to fit their needs and budget. We develop a great working relationship with our customers and have a high rate of return and repeat customers because we provide high-quality, affortable products that are simple and easy to use.

Advanced Egress Solutions is most known for the development of innovative, easy to use, and high-quality evacuation devices. We are also known for our passion for the industry which drives us to develop products that are first and foremost safe. Safety is critical during any evacuation when tensions are high, and the risks are great. That is why we implement engineering due diligence processes, carefully source all materials, and oversee all stages of manufacturing.

Ethics are at the core of our values. We do not put personal or corporate ambition over principles. Each team member has a personal desire to change the world for the better by ensuring all people regardless of size or age or mobility status can be safely evacuated during an emergency. We build on the trust our customers have for us through responsible actions and honest relationships. And we believe we achieve more and develop better products through collaboration by allowing every contributor to think creatively and critically.