Firefighting notwithstanding I prefer the double loaded corridor as a paramedic, personally.
That one is actually easier to carry individual people out of apartments (your actual, usual job) even if it is marginally more difficult to evacuate everyone (done rarely, will suck no matter what).
Haydon
The core, real question re: single stair buildings to rank and file firefighters should be this:
Which of these 2 buildings would you prefer in an active fire? Which is more likely to reach a point where you need to call in more help, delaying full response and increasing risk for anyone inside?
Jason Cox
How many units in this top example sit on the “wrong side” of the two stairs at each end, meaning they would be trapped if that stairway was compromised? You’ll count 6 each.
Meanwhile single stair buildings have little to no corridor. (See the small building example at bottom).
