Who Answers the Emergency Telephone in an Elevator Crisis?

In the event of an emergency in an elevator, the emergency telephone plays a crucial role in connecting individuals to the right set of responders. This article explores who typically answers these emergency calls, the protocols involved, and how elevator emergencies are managed.

The Role of Emergency Telephones in Elevator Emergencies

When someone encounters an emergency inside an elevator, they can contact a dedicated emergency telephone. This phone typically connects directly to a monitoring service or emergency response center. The purpose of this communication is to ensure that the appropriate response is dispatched quickly and efficiently.

Specific Responders Involved

Several key entities are usually alerted when someone uses the emergency phone:

Building Security or Management: They can respond quickly to the situation to manage the immediate needs of the trapped individuals. Emergency Services: If the situation is urgent, the monitoring center can contact local emergency responders such as fire departments or paramedics. Elevator Maintenance Company: They may also be notified to investigate any mechanical issues that may have caused the emergency.

Modern Emergency Response Centers

Today, the emergency response center managing the calls may not belong to the building management or the elevator maintenance company. Instead, it could be a specialized call center that handles calls across multiple buildings and regions. These centers are often equipped with call translators and trained staff who can offer counseling and support in various languages.

The call center maintains a roster of engineers who are ready to be dispatched to the site of the emergency. This modern approach ensures that help arrives quickly, even if the elevator maintenance company is a distance away.

Experience and Recommendation from a Firefighter

J.S. Mathews, a firefighter, shares his insights on handling elevator emergencies. According to Mathews, the code now mandates that emergency communication systems must link to an outside monitoring agency, which directs calls to the appropriate elevator maintenance company. However, this can sometimes lead to delays, especially in cases where the maintenance company is distant.

Mathews advises that individuals should inform the monitoring service of any medical conditions or requirements for immediate evacuation or extrication. He expresses surprise at the lack of lawsuits regarding delayed responses, which highlights the importance of clear communication and procedures.

Security Companies and Emergency Response

Many security companies today manage and dispatch emergency calls. They can quickly connect the elevator emergency to a security or fire response team according to the customer's preference. This can include a 24-hour maintenance line that the security company uses to coordinate the response.

In some towns, the 911 operator takes these calls and dispatches the appropriate emergency services, such as the fire department. The decision on who should be called is often straightforward given the urgent nature of elevator emergencies.

Conclusion

The emergency telephone in an elevator is a critical component of the building's safety infrastructure. Understanding who answers these calls and the protocols in place ensures that the system functions effectively in times of crisis. Whether it's a specialized call center or a security company, the response team must act quickly to ensure the safety and well-being of trapped individuals.

Keywords: elevator emergency, emergency telephone, elevator systems