STUCK IN AN ELEVATOR?

I like many others often fear that we might get stuck in an elevator. In fact, just recently, I got stuck in one and the experience was very scary.

I learnt a few things in the process:

1.   If you are among those who nurse the fear of running out of air, inside the elevator, we have good news for you: the elevator, as his vehicle, has its own air vents. Although you cannot see them, they are there and ensure air supply. You can breathe easy, because the air is entering. You first need to know that you are safe and there is enough oxygen for you in there as long as needed. So, DO NOT PANIC!! Stay calm. Of course, nobody likes the feeling of being locked in a cabin, a box or interior little bigger than a closet, narrow end and used to climb the heights and into a hole that feels like it’s floating in the air. The burden of claustrophobia, vertigo fear of heights and the feeling of helplessness (if something happens) is added. A perfect combination to make you feel uneasy in elevators. Do not lose your temper. Yes, t being locked in the elevator is unpleasant and besides could take most part of your day as it is unplanned. You went home, to work or to an appointment and the elevator is making you waste time. You will be late to work, a meeting or simply your leisure time at home will be delayed.

Anger is coupled with the awkwardness and none of that helps maintain calm. He also feels the closure own fears. Always remember to stay calm as I have stated above: it is not going to run out of air as the lift is ventilated and not going to fall, because the cabin is well secured by specific security measures for such situations. Stay calm and ensure that your companions do the same. The wait will be easier, if you take it calmly, and anxiety attacks can lead to medical emergencies that can only worsen the closure.

2.   Set off the alarm system to let the operators know that you are stuck in there as soon as possible. Now, getting help could take longer than expected as the operators are worried about emergency button of the victim and the rescuer so the elevator needs to be powered down and this might take a while. Once, the power is out, the closest floor to rescue you is located and a key is used to open the doors. Remain calm and know that help is on the way. Just make sure that you have raised an alarm as soon as possible. Use your phone if reachable to call the closest authority to make sure that everyone within helpful reach knows that you are in there.

3.   Do not try to go out on your own. Do not pretend to be a hero. Take action to call emergency services. Do not attempt to leave the elevator on your own. Do not force the gates, as the opening mechanism could be damaged and the damage could worsen. If the elevator has fallen stopped between floors, do not try to leave it. This is one of the most dangerous mistakes you can make, to escape the elevator, because your body could be trapped or crushed, if the elevator gets up suddenly, or you could fall through the gap. Remember: the elevator is not going to fall, but you could do so by that space, if you try to jump and stumbles. Or try to go out the roof hatch. You think about it: where would go from there? Are you going to climb the cables of the appliance? Do not take chances with adventures.

4.   With all good intentions, neighbors can try to force the door or urge to leave by the space available, if stopped between floors. As before, do not make the mistake of doing so. Ask the neighbors not to force the elevator door and convince them that the best help they can give you is to notify authorities if you cannot. If, for some reason, necessary, it is possible to cut the power supply (if this is distributed by independent sectors of the building and can be restricted only for the lift), while the arrival of professionals and emergency services are expected .

5.   And finally, do not play with the mechanisms or the electrical circuit trying to fix something that you do not know well. Risk of worsening the situation and even undergo further accidents, such as cuts or electrocution, which will only make a routine confinement in the elevator in an emergency and life-threatening.

--Chidinma WHSE Nigeria..