Evacusafe Supports the No Student Left Behind Campaign
At Evacusafe, our mission has always been clear: no one should be left behind during an emergency. That belief has taken on even greater meaning thanks to the bravery and determination of Lucas Vezza-O'Brien, a student at Hyde High School, whose campaign has started a national conversation about school safety and emergency preparedness for disabled students.
Why Lucas started the campaign
Lucas, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, found himself in a deeply concerning situation during a small electrical fire at his school in November 2024. While other pupils and staff were evacuated from the building, Lucas was told to remain in a designated "safe area" on the first floor, because the school did not have the evacuation equipment needed to help him.
Thankfully, the fire was quickly put out and no one was harmed. But for Lucas, the experience was frightening and simply unacceptable.
Rather than let that experience define him, Lucas chose to act. Aged 16, he launched the #NoStudentLeftBehind campaign, calling for all schools and colleges in the UK to be legally required to have evacuation chairs, and for staff to be properly trained to use them.
His petition to Parliament aimed for 10,000 signatures. It went on to gather more than 100,000.
A campaign driving real change
When our team at Evacusafe and The Emergency Group heard Lucas's story, we knew we had to get involved. We partnered with Lucas and:
- Donated several Evacusafe evacuation chairs to Hyde High School, so no student would be left behind in an emergency again
- Provided comprehensive training for staff, giving them the confidence and practical skills to help pupils with mobility impairments during an evacuation
The response from the school, and from Lucas, has been overwhelmingly positive.
Our evacuation chairs are designed for a safe, efficient and dignified evacuation for anyone with mobility issues. With minimal handling and just one operator needed, they are a practical and cost-effective solution for multi-storey buildings across the education sector and beyond. Our on-site training makes sure staff are ready to use them.
Lucas: an advocate for equality and safety
Lucas is not only a bright and determined young man, he's a natural leader and communicator. His ability to build support, capture media attention and speak passionately about disability rights is inspiring to everyone who has had the pleasure of working alongside him.
We are proud to support Lucas in his role as a Campaign Ambassador for The Emergency Group. Alongside our director, Nick Cox, Lucas is helping to raise awareness and push for policy changes that will make sure every school is properly equipped to evacuate every pupil safely.
"This campaign is about more than just me. It's about every student who might be left behind. That should never happen, and with the right equipment and training, it doesn't have to."
Lucas Vezza-O'Brien, #NoStudentLeftBehind campaigner
The campaign so far
- November 2024Lucas is left in a refuge area during a fire at Hyde High School.
- 2025Lucas launches the #NoStudentLeftBehind campaign and his petition to Parliament. Evacusafe and The Emergency Group donate evacuation chairs and train staff at his school.
- Over 100,000 signaturesThe petition passes the 100,000 signatures needed for Parliament to consider a debate.
- 1 December 2025MPs debate evacuation chairs in schools and colleges in Westminster Hall, with Lucas watching from the gallery. The Schools Minister offers to meet Lucas to discuss the issues further.
How you can support #NoStudentLeftBehind
The petition has now closed, but the campaign continues. Parents, teachers, school leaders, local authorities and members of the public can all help make sure every pupil can be evacuated safely:
- Share Lucas's story and use #NoStudentLeftBehind on social media
- Ask your school or college whether it has evacuation chairs and trained staff
- Make sure every pupil who needs one has a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP)
- Read the petition and the government's response
Get the right equipment for your school, college or university
Every student should be able to leave the building safely. Tell us about your site, its stairways and the students who may need help, and we'll recommend the right evacuation chairs and staff training. We can also advise on supporting PEEPs for students and staff.
