By Jillian Risberg 

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Four people are safe following a swift emergency extraction by the Livingston Fire Department after becoming trapped inside a malfunctioning elevator in the East Wing Building at RWJBarnabas Health.

Emergency crews responded to the healthcare facility at approximately 4:15 p.m. following urgent reports of an elevator car stuck between floors, leaving the occupants confined in a tightly restricted space.

According to Livingston Fire Chief Christopher Mullin, the rapid mobilization and technical expertise of the responding firefighters ensured the four individuals were safely removed from the mechanical failure without any reported injuries. Following their extraction, the occupants were immediately evaluated by on-site medical staff, and all four individuals ultimately refused further medical treatment.

The rescue highlights the specialized technical training required by modern local fire departments, who routinely handle elevator entrapments alongside traditional fire suppression duties. While modern commercial elevators are engineered with numerous redundant safety brakes to prevent free-falls, unexpected electrical or mechanical disruptions can still leave passengers stranded in stressful, low-ventilation environments.

Executing this multi-step extraction required a precise manual system override using specialized keys and strict mechanical release protocols. Before emergency crews could approach the shaft, responding firefighters and RWJBarnabas Engineering staff implemented standard lockout and tagout procedures to completely cut electrical power to the elevator grid. This vital safety step ensures the heavy machinery cannot accidentally shift, jerk, or drop while rescuers are operating inside the shaft.

Once the grid was fully secured, emergency personnel opened the exterior shaft doors to access the top of the stalled vehicle. Responders then unlatched the emergency escape hatch located in the ceiling of the elevator car.

A specialized fire department collapsible ladder was lowered through the hatch directly into the cabin. A firefighter then descended into the car to physically secure the environment, soothe the passengers, and safely guide each occupant up the ladder one by one to awaiting crews on the floor above.

“There were no additional factors that complicated the rescue,” Chief Mullin said. “Firefighters maintained communication with the occupants throughout the entire process and walked them through the rescue steps without incident.”

Facility management confirmed the elevator car has been completely taken out of service until certified technicians can perform a full inspection and complete the necessary mechanical repairs.

It’s rare to get stuck in an elevator. Industry analysis indicates only about 1 in every 100,000 elevator trips results in an entrapment.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports about 30 elevator and escalator fatalities annually. According to the BLS, more than half of these incidents are occupational involving mechanics and technicians, rather than the general riding public.

When it comes to passenger safety, Mullin advises that if you ever happen to find yourself inside a stalled elevator, the most important thing to do is stay calm and avoid panic.

“You are safe inside the elevator car. Although it may get warm because the power is disconnected, you are not in danger of the car dropping,” said the chief.

“Elevator cars usually stall simply because the outer door sensors become misaligned. It’s also important to notify the first arriving rescuer if you have an underlying medical issue, such as a heart condition, claustrophobia, or difficulty breathing, so emergency responders can prioritize your specific medical needs.”