What defines a nonambulatory person?

A nonambulatory person is defined as someone who is unable to leave a building unassisted during an emergency. This classification is crucial in the context of residential care facilities, where the ability to evacuate quickly can be life-saving. Nonambulatory individuals may have mobility issues that prevent them from moving quickly or independently, especially in stressful situations such as emergencies.

Understanding this definition is important for facility staff, as it informs how they develop their emergency plans and how they provide care and support for residents with mobility limitations. Recognizing the need for special accommodations for nonambulatory residents ensures that their safety and well-being are prioritized in a crisis. This distinction also highlights the importance of training staff to assist residents appropriately during emergencies.