Owensboro Fire Department outlines elevator rescue training and safety tips

The Owensboro Fire Department described annual elevator emergency training and response practices and urged residents and building managers to prioritize prevention and calm responses when cars stall, Lieutenant Chad Johnson told the City Commission.

Johnson said the department’s training includes classroom and hands‑on instruction and that response protocols emphasize verifying whether a true medical emergency exists and attempting resets before more invasive actions. “Always stay inside the stalled elevator until help arrives,” Johnson said, adding that occupants should use a mercy/emergency button and call 911.

He provided national context—citing Bureau of Labor Statistics data on elevator‑related fatalities and injuries—and local response metrics: 33 elevator rescues in 2023 and 24 in 2024. Johnson said common causes of stalled cars include door sensor issues, overloading and power glitches, and noted that many problems can be resolved by a fire‑panel reset or a hard power reset.

As a last resort, crews may make a top‑hatch entry after stabilizing the car, but Johnson stressed the procedure is rare and hazardous for both occupants and first responders. He also encouraged property owners to maintain equipment and to warn guests—particularly children—about unsafe elevator use.

Commissioners asked about response strategies for large assisted‑living structures such as the Roosevelt House; Johnson said the department assigns a dedicated evacuation stairwell and coordinates hose deployment and personnel accordingly.

The presentation was informational and no action was taken.