Do you really have an “Emergency”?

Not all stalled elevators are an emergency. Although the Fire Service and some elevator industry personnel disagree on what exactly an emergency is, the rules are rather simple.

People not in distress should be calmed by emergency responders who should await a qualified elevator technician to arrive and free the passengers. Rescuing passengers not in distress can actually endanger them and cause unnecessary damage if forced entry is required.

However, if passengers become hysterical and blood pressure and heart rates rise, the non-emergency may have become an emergency. The Fire Service cannot know, nor can monitor the medical condition of the trapped people.

Many factors need to be considered: How are the passengers reacting? How long will it take for the elevator technician to arrive? Are there any critical health concerns? These questions are important in determining if action should be taken. But if the elevator technician is “just around the corner” it might be best for all to await his/her arrival.