Sunday July, 11 2021 @ 19:46

Nature: Elevator/Escalator Rescue

Location: 33558 Windswept Dr., The Peninsula, DE 19966

On Sunday evening, July 11^th, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company was alerted for an elevator rescue incident on Windswept Drive in the Peninsula development off Bay Farm Road.  It was reported to be a stuck elevator between the first and second floor with three persons onboard.

Emergency response units from Indian River included Tower 80 from the Oak Orchard facility and Engine #80-3 from the Long Neck facility.

Emergency response crew assignments included incident mitigation, gaining access to the elevator control room and panel box, gaining access and opening the elevator doors on impacted floors, discussion and dialogue with the occupants of the elevator car, extrication of the elevator car occupants.  The impacted elevator was placed out of service pending repair and maintenance by a certified elevator repair entity 

What is an elevator entrapment?

An elevator entrapment occurs when a person or a group of people are enclosed in an elevator impaired by a mechanical or electronic issue. This can lead to dangerous situations.

How do firefighters get people out of stuck elevators?

They can pull the person through an escape hatch in the ceiling or open the doors to the building so the person can get out, if the elevator is positioned right. If the elevator is hydraulic, firefighters can slowly lower the car into a position that makes it easier for people to walk out.  If needed, ladders are lowered into the elevator car for extrication assistance.

All three occupants of the elevator were in good health and spirits after being removed from the elevator.

The property management firm was notified of the needed repairs and the fire company departed the incident location after placing the elevator out-of-service.