At approximately 02:25 Hrs on January 1, 2007 Rescue 1 and Truck 3 responded to what is normally a routine call for a report of a stuck occupied elevator. I am the Lieutenant of Rescue 1 and was in charge of rescue operations. My crew consists of myself, my driver and two firefighters, Truck 3’s crew consisted of a Lieutenant, a driver, and two firefighters. The following is a synopsis of the occurrences that took place and the actions that were taken by units operating: Both units arrived on the scene and investigated. Upon arrival units encountered several hundred intoxicated people in the lobby area, making operations difficult. Upon arriving at the stalled elevator car it, was found to be stuck between the first and second floor. Rescue 1 attempted to recall the adjacent elevator with Firemen’s Service but the elevator car stopped at the designated floor opened approximately 8-12 inches and proceeded to the basement level where it became non-operational. Members could not get the car out of Firemen’s Service or get it to move anywhere. This rendered both elevator cars out of service. During initial operations a large fight broke out in the lobby of the hotel, no FD members were involved, but this delayed operations for a short period of time. Rescue 1 requested PD to the scene, Code 2. PD arrived and dispersed most of the people in the hotel lobby area. Truck 3 proceeded to the elevator control room penthouse located on the roof to shut down power to the stalled car. Rescue 1 attempted to make contact with individuals inside elevator to determine if there was any medical emergency but was unable due to the noise from the large group of people both in the elevator and in the lobby. Rescue 1 requested EMS respond to the scene for a stand-by. One person in the elevator notified Rescue 1 there were no injuries in the elevator; EMS was told to respond with traffic at this time. Access to the elevator car was delayed due to there being no keyhole on the second floor. The decision was made to make entry by placing a ladder on top of the adjacent lower car and raising it to the top of the occupied stalled car and remove victims via the roof hatch. At this time Truck 3 shut down power to both elevator cars. A person inside the elevator car then stated there was an unconscious party inside the elevator, a pregnant female having difficulties, and a party having an asthma attack. Rescue 1 requested EMS to the second floor. Two firefighters from Rescue 1 entered the elevator shaft to affect rescue of these patients. The first firefighter on top of the cars initial action was to shut down the run box on top of the elevator car. Shortly after the two firefighters got on top of the elevator car the elevator car fell 2 stories to the basement level. The second firefighter on the car was able to jump from the top of the elevator car back into the lobby. The other firefighter rode the car down to the basement level where the car came to rest against the buffers. There were no injuries. FD personnel proceeded to the basement level and removed a semi-conscious party having an asthma attack from the elevator. No other patients were found. Approximately 16 people were removed from the elevator. EMS personnel responded to basement level as well. The patients mother was extremely distraught and would not allow access to the patient by FD or EMS personnel. The mother became combative when members attempted to treat the patient. The mother was a danger to both Fire personnel and the patient. Rescue 1 requested PD to the basement level. PD forcefully removed mother from the area. EMS assumed patient care. FD assisted with packaging the patient for transport. The elevator repair company arrived and stated they could not make repairs at this time and left the scene. Truck 3 locked-out/tagged-out both elevators. The hoist way door on the second floor left elevator was broken during rescue operations. Rescue 1 and Truck 3 were able to secure door to prevent any fall hazard. No further FD action taken. All units returned to service. The purpose of this memo is to make as many firefighters as possible aware of the potential for injury/death while operating at these incidents. What may initially appear to be a routine call can change very quickly and become a dangerous situation.
The following were unique factors encountered that contributed to the complexity of this call:
1.The elevator car was overloaded. During initial operations FD personnel were unable to communicate clearly with those inside the elevator. Once the elevator was opened approximately 16 people were removed. When the additional weight of the firefighters was placed on top of the elevator car, one of two things happened. First the brakes may have failed allowing the car to fall to the lowest level. Secondly the cables which support the elevator may have pulled through the pulleys and allowed the car to drop. This building was under order from the State to repair the cables, as they were rusted and undersized for the elevator system.
2.The elevator operated with a battery back-up so even though the main power supply was shut down to the elevator motor, it was still receiving electricity from a battery back-up.
3.Due to the large fight and other suspicious activity FD personnel had to stay clear of certain areas of the building at times.
4.Due to the unusual circumstances encountered the number of tasks that needed to be performed exceeded the resources on scene.
LESSONS LEARNED:
1.Try to determine the number of occupants as soon as possible by either observing yourself or from a credible person inside the elevator.
2.When shutting down power to the elevator, make sure ALL power has been turned off including the main shut off and any other back-up/auxiliary power supplies.
3.If the amount of tasks needed to get accomplished exceeds your resources on scene, call for more, whether it be for the Deputy Chief or another Engine or Truck Company.
4.Trained personnel must rig overloaded or compromised cars. If no FD personnel on scene are trained in this skill, crews must await the arrival of the elevator repair technician. Due to the factors listed above, what was encountered was a technical rescue, not just a routine elevator call. All personnel should be aware of what is out there and never feel that this wont happen to me. Always heir on the side of caution and remember that OUR SAFETY COMES FIRST.