What is the purpose of a buddy system during evacuation?

• A. To ensure no one is left behind and to provide assistance to those needing help.
• B. To speed up the evacuation by setting a pace.
• C. To assign blame if someone is late.
• D. To monitor personal protective equipment usage only.

Answer: (A)

During evacuation, a buddy system exists to ensure no one is left behind and to provide assistance to those needing help. Pairing people creates mutual accountability and a ready source of help if someone becomes disoriented, injured, or slow to move. Buddies can guide each other to exits, help overcome obstacles, and confirm that both have reached a safe area or assembly point. This approach directly enhances safety by promoting outreach to those who may need extra support and by keeping track of who has safely exited. It’s not primarily about speeding up the evacuation, assigning blame for lateness, or monitoring PPE usage.