Elevator Rescues

Cambridge Fire Companies respond to about 200 elevator rescue calls per year. Occasionally an elevator stalls between floors trapping people inside, sometimes with their pets. This can happen in a high-rise or a low-rise building. In the remote possiblity that the elevator stalls, don't panic! Call 911, or use the emergency phone in the elevator, and fire companies will be dispatched.

Firefighters are trained and experienced in elevator rescue and will quickly respond when dispatched. If the private elevator mechanic is close by, firefighters will work with the mechanic. If there is a delay or a medical emergency, firefighters will start the process to safely power-down the elevator, and using all safety procedures, extricate the trapped passenger(s). If necessary, firefighter paramedics on scene can start treatment of any injury. 

NEVER ATTEMPT TO CLIMB OUT or SELF ESCAPE FROM A STALLED ELEVATOR! Serious injury could result.

In the attached photos from a recent elevator rescue, after securing elevator power so there would be no movement, a firefighter entered the elevator car via the roof hatch and assisted the one passenger in donnning a safety harness to prevent a fall injury. The passenger was then safely removed from the elevator car via the roof hatch and evaluated for any medical issues. In this case, the passenger was fine, very appreciative, and left the scene. The elevator was locked and tagged out pending arrival of the elevator mechanic for evaluation and repairs. In this incident, Engine 6, Ladder 3, Rescue 1, Squad 2, & Division Chief 1 reponded. 

Typically a Ladder Company and the Rescue Company are dispatched to an elevator call. If the extrication requires a tech rescue setup, such as extrication via the hoistway, the response will be upgraded and include a Division Chief. 

For more info, go to to a previous post: Elevator Rescue.