Abstract: An escape apparatus for installation within an upper storey of a building in the proximity of an emergency exit opening, such as a window, comprises a foldable ladder carried by a stage which is mounted on a vertically positioned fixed mounting frame for sliding and pivoting movement together with the folded ladder between a retracted position against the mounting frame to an extended position of use in which the stage projects through the emergency exit opening and in which the ladder may be slid along the stage and unfolded at a leading edge of the stage to form a rigid ladder extending downwardly from the stage outside the building. The escape apparatus may also comprise a child carrier guided by the ladder for controllably lowering a baby or small child down the ladder and an automatically opening folding rescue platform for providing a temporary place of safety for escapes unable to reach the ground while they wait for rescue.