Elevator Rescue

[gsmiller274]

Hey Guys-

Just a brief summary -- Radford University EMS (student run, volunteer) has recognized their is a need for an agency trained in elevator rescue on campus. We are currently beginning to work with the University on how we can fill this role. The most common elevator "emergency" on campus is simply stuck doors.

As we would like to expand into this and fill this role, we want to ensure that we are properly trained and equipped for the task. We are currently working to implement a few SOP's following examples from other departments to ensure safety of our members.

It has been brought up that we may establish a "elevator crew" of about 5-6 people who live on campus and have been trained. Most actions will be defensive. However we want to make sure we are properly equipped should a true emergency exist (fall protection -- etc)

That being said, I have yet to find an all encompassing elevator rescue resource on the web. I'd love to talk to someone that is experienced in this and could provide some further information.

If anyone knows any good resources, or has any information to share it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Gavin Miller
RU EMS
TVFD

[mcaldwell]

If anyone knows any good resources, or has any information to share it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Gavin Miller
RU EMS
TVFD


I might start with your elevator installer or service company.

KONE does all the elevator service in our community, and every couple of years they run a 2-day entry and emergency service course for us.

They leave us a couple of extra elevator keys after the course (because they always get lost ;) ), and they are eager to help since they don't have a local service van. To wait for them would be 3-4 hours.

We recently purchased some rescue jacks with the short strut kit specifically for elevator rescue, so the next time they are out, we plan to play a little. :)

[gsmiller274]

I might start with your elevator installer or service company.

We have been in contact with the elevator service company, and have received a set of keys. I'd definitely like to see us expand to get some more tactical rescue equipment and training (steam tunnels on campus etc)

One situation I am particularly interested in the fire service response side to gain access (in a true life safety situation) to an occupied elevator stuck between floors. I can definitely see having Ropes training and experience a necessity.

We took an elevator out of service last night, and inspected the side emergency access doors on the car and the elevator shaft itself.

My personal opinion is if we are going to commit to being the primary first responders, we need to be prepared for any and all situations that may arise so I would like to see our agency gain the tactical rescue experience.

[mcaldwell]

Working inside the hoistway is usually a last resort. Too many safety factors and lockout requirements to make it practical as a primary means of rescue. Of course in some buildings with larger gaps between doorways it may be the only choice, but exit through the door is almost always adequate, and probably the reasonable limit for in-house crews.

I would start with overide and lockout procedure training to secure the elevator from movement during ops (from the elevator service provider), and then some basic fall protection training. With some basic cribbing equipment, and the requisit training, you can secure and evacuate most scenarios. The biggest hazards by far are falling down the open gap below the car into the hoistway (thus the fall protection training), and crush injuries from shifting cars (hence the cribbing).

If the scenario involves entering the hoistway, or utilizing the rescue hatch, I would be calling the local FD tech team. It is not as simple as popping the door and lifting them out, and you likely won't have the resources to self-rescue if things go really bad.


In all my years I have evacuated maybe 20 stuck elevators, and only one could not be done through the doors.

:)

[jbrescue]

If your primary role is first responder, call the local FD for help. Odds are that they have guys trained for ropes or have access to them. With you guys being students, I am sure that your plate is full already. I applaud you fro wanting to be proactive. However, all that you probably need is some awareness level training to help make sure that your guys don't get hurt. This will allow you to assess and advise the incoming fire units as to the situation. If you truly want to get more into rescue, you are looking at a lot of training and a lot of money for gear. Good luck.

[jeremymader]

Kind of short notice, but Loudoun County Fire and Rescue is teaching a class on Dec 8th. Sort of a hike, but sorta close by:

http://inter4.loudoun.gov/controls/speerio/resources/RenderContent.aspx?data=NODcHK SK5YzBkHesDGFpi4VM14nKn3%2fVbu oskN1ig4eExr5X9YglWUnEK%2bAiZI qtzGWT5A9QaQiPS4WZ59Owz6njsYCT xTx5uVfQMhHR4PNrxieq6iZh6SO4et aTwiLZTZ272%2f36t2e4TWYEa%2bqK qzlLdmB8s3WmEJurXayhd5nzF55qal aup5tmOUkKDk4tuUa5HVhHwrrBGlHR v5%2bvP3p4DhoDpW%2bZZF8g4k6scy DH4a%2fwl3uCiVMmz%2fCjDCBYugej MLUsRM%2fh%2bP2i4YfdbHRaBPsC57 79UmZqGo7PeGiPPUh4NqhB8YaBD%2f a3e0Hs9ECx9LKgiCSiWkME5du7Zgor EPwox6N9oI6tFYj566k9jLDK8rfH0U %2fD1wH2pc9870YOoOnHejk%3d&tabid=286&fmpath=%2fTraining+Corner

Contact Manassas Fire(http://manassasfire.com). Some of their guys go around and teach elevator rescue and I'm sure you can use some university funds for them to come down and teach a class. Maybe get the local fire and rescue departments in on it as well.

Prince William County Fire and Rescue also does a class about once a year as well. Keep an eye on http://www.dcvfd.org/training/training.asp for updates.

I'll see if I can dig up my material from the last one I took and send a copy down your way.

[pikepole9]

What kind of elevators are you dealing with primaraly?...as was said above...working in the shaft is a big time no no (can't see why we would ever need to unless a tech went down), as is pulling people out when the elevator is between floors. Hydraulic elevators are not complicated to lower safely. LOCK AND TAG out, as was mentioned is also very important, and there are simple ways to do this with tools that you already have on your truck for most types of lifts and 50 bucks in modled plastic and padlocks. PM me and I can put you in contact with our elevator guru/instructor - he's on my shift. There are a few 'tools' , one in particular that can make opening most doors very simple, you just need to know where to get them....and be capable.

[Sonhunter]

Google, Mike Dragonetti is a elevator guy and a firefighter he is a CT or NY firefighter

[nsohyda]

Clemins Industries use to make a great elevator pole and I cant get in contact with them, e-mail bounces back and phone number doesn't work.

Does anyone know anyone making a good elevator pole (Jarclose Tool the the MD/VA guys)

if so email me at work edavies@mtlebanon.org

Thanks

[N2DFire]

Gavin,

In addition to elevators, you mentioned other "target hazards" (i.e. Steam tunnels) that you were interesting in preparing for.

I too would like to commend you on seeing a potential need for your campus community and working to fill that need, however you should be aware that you are now branching out into the Technical Rescue discipline and this is not something you should take lightly or do without a LOT of serious thought.

It is my personal belief that if you have these "Target Hazards" on campus and are thinking about working at the Operations (Ops.) level, that you should first (and immediately) train to the Awareness level.

Some of the Classes you should look for right now are:
Rope I (possibly may be Rope Rescue Awareness in the near future - The HTR division at DFP are working to bring this in line with the other programs)
Haz-Mat Awareness
OSHA Confined Space Awareness

These three disciplines cross over each other quite often and they will also give you good information for use on the afore mentioned elevator incidents as well. This training will also give you a much better understanding of what Tech. Rescue truly is & what an undertaking it would be to move to the Ops. level.

Also the cost of the equipment required to perform a rescue at the operations level is quite high and you may be better served working with other area agencies that are already equiped in a joint team effort rather than trying to duplicate resources.

Wish you the best of luck & please feel free to contact me directly if I can help you out in any way.

[bum291]

I have a question that relates to this. How can we rescue people in a rush from an elevator stuck inbetween floors (it's not possible to reach into the elevator trough the doors), possible smoke condition And no easy way to crank the elevator up/down to the reach of the closest door from the machine room.

Sorry if this is thread-hijacking, I think it relates though.

[N2DFire]

I'm no elevator expert by any means, but my next plan of attack would be to open the door above & access the escape / service hatch in the elevator roof (if so equipped). In the case of a true dire extreme emergency - if no roof opening was available - make one.

In a situation where there are two (or more) elevator shafts side by side - then the access door may be on the side of the car and not the top.
If this is the case and it is safe to do so, it may be possible to run the adjoining car up even with the stuck car and transfer the occupants over via the access doors.

Really there are enough variables and "what if's" to make a single clear cut answer to this question impossible.

My suggestion would be to contact a local elevator repair company in your area and talk with them. They know best what you have & how to handle it.

[jfTL41]

Google, Mike Dragonetti is a elevator guy and a firefighter he is a CT or NY firefighter

Mike is a FF with Stamford Ct, R1.

Dragonrescue.com

also an invaluable resource could be your local elevator construction and repair unions.

[brozt316]

http://www.elevatorkey.com/

[jeremymader]

I could not find my old material from my elevator class. Try this book
http://www.amazon.com/Elevator-Escalator-Rescue-Comprehensive-Guide/dp/1593700768/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1201542136&sr=8-1

I've flipped through it before and it has some good info in it.