If you are stuck in an elevator:
- Stay calm. Do not attempt to leave the car unless directed by trained personnel.
- Use the emergency call button (or phone, if available) and wait for trained professionals.
- Don't extend a hand or anything else to stop a closing door. Not all elevator doors will reopen, and your arm could get caught between two heavy sets of moving doors.
- Never attempt to climb out of an elevator. The elevator has a plentiful air supply and trained responders will assist in getting you out.
To help someone stuck in an elevator:
- Contact Public Safety at (610) 519-4444 and inform the dispatcher of the situation.
- Establish communications with the passengers inside the car either by using the elevator’s telephone or by simply calling through the doors.
- Find out how many passengers are in the elevator.
- Maintain constant communication with the passengers. Reassure them that the elevator is usually a secure place and that steps are being taken to remove them from the elevator
- Find out if anyone is injured or ill. If so, notify the Public Safety Dispatcher to get emergency medical personnel on the scene immediately.
- Tell those inside the car to stand clear of the doors and preferably have them sit down for their own comfort and in case the elevator suddenly restarts.
- Remember, for everyone’s safety, an experienced elevator technician should rescue the passengers.
- If the doors don't open when the elevator stops, ring the alarm button and wait.
- Never force the doors open or try to exit. Attempting to force the doors open is dangerous because the elevator could resume travel without warning and seriously injure someone. For some it will be difficult to wait but alternatives are much worse. The inside of the elevator is the safest place. The elevator shaft is a dangerous area and is not designed for people. Only trained specialists know how to safely remove passengers or restart the elevator.
