Elevator Rescue - Blind Shaft Training Exercise
2/27/2025 • 4 weeks ago
Since January 1st of 2025 (up to February 26th), Cambridge Fire Companies have worked at 36 elevator rescues in the city. One of the most recent incidents included the removal of 14 people (with no injuries) from a stalled elevator in a high-rise building on Memorial Drive!
Additionally, there have been at least 2 rescues of people trapped in escalators, so far this year.
To maintain these technical elevator rescue skills, on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, the firefighters of Somerville Rescue 1, Somerville Truck 1, and Cambridge Rescue 1 reviewed elevator rescue procedures (hands-on) in a blind shaft elevator.
Companies practiced variants of rigging, rappelling, lowering, and hauling. Mechanical capture of the elevator car was also practiced in addition to LOTO (Lock Out Tag Out).
Cambridge group 2 was on duty.
These skills obviously include technical skill, continual training, safety procedures, proper tools and equipment, trust and courage.
If someone is trapped in a stalled elevator, call 911. Trained and equipped firefighters will be immediately dispatched by the Emergency Communications staff. Usually at least two fire companies will be dispatched to an elevator call, commonly a Ladder Company and Rescue 1.
NEVER attempt to self-rescue from an elevator! Serious injury or death could result!
It's not only the fires! This 21st century fire service is an "All Hazards" service!
