How to Survive a Falling Elevator
While the odds of finding yourself in a free-falling elevator are extremely low, it’s a frightening thought that many people have contemplated at some point. Amidst technological advancements and stringent safety measures, elevator malfunctions leading to a free fall are rare occurrences. However, if you ever happen to experience such an unfortunate event, knowing how to increase your chances of survival can be helpful.
Throughout history, there have been cases of individuals surviving falling elevators, such as the famous incident in 1945 involving Betty Lou Oliver, who managed to survive a 75-floor elevator plunge caused by an airplane crash into the Empire State Building. This article will explore expert advice and scientific insights on how to increase your chances of survival in a falling elevator. Whether it’s adopting the right body position or knowing what to do during the fall, following these guidelines may come in handy in unlikely situations.
Understanding the Physics
Falling elevators are usually caused by the failure of the counterbalance system or the snapping of cables. During free fall, the elevator and the passenger inside experience the same gravitational acceleration, giving a sensation of weightlessness.
Surviving a falling elevator largely depends on the impact force experienced by the passengers. According to Newton’s second law, the force is the product of mass and acceleration. When the elevator hits the bottom of the shaft, the passengers experience rapid deceleration, which can lead to severe injuries or death.
There are a few strategies proposed to minimize the impact force on the body:
- Bending your knees: Bending and then rapidly unbending your knees exerts extra force between you and the floor, which may help to reduce injuries [Physics Van].
- Lying flat on your back: This technique helps distribute the impact force over a larger surface area of your body, reducing the pressure on specific body areas, and potentially increasing the chances of survival [NPR].
- Jumping: Contrary to popular belief, jumping at the correct moment does not significantly reduce the impact force experienced by the body, as your downward velocity is only slightly reduced by jumping [The Conversation].
Elevator safety systems, such as emergency brakes and speed governors, have made the chances of experiencing a free-falling elevator very rare. It is important to keep in mind that these suggestions are merely theories and not guaranteed to work in real-life scenarios. The best way to stay safe is to follow proper elevator use guidelines and avoid being in unsafe or compromised situations.
Safety Precautions
Properly Inspect Elevator
Regular elevator inspections are crucial in ensuring the safety of passengers. Building owners and management should arrange for certified technicians to perform maintenance checks, as well as conduct necessary repairs when needed. As a passenger, always look out for signs of proper maintenance, such as inspection certificates displayed inside the elevator.
Avoid Overcrowding
Overcrowding can cause significant stress on the elevator’s cables and motors. Pay attention to the posted weight limits and refrain from entering an elevator if it already appears full. Waiting for the next available elevator is a safer alternative to risking an accident due to excessive weight.
Use Emergency Tools
In the event of an emergency, all elevators should have accessible emergency tools and procedures in place. Some common tools include:
- Emergency phone: Use the emergency phone or call button to notify maintenance or security staff of any issues.
- Alarm: Activate the alarm button if you feel there is an immediate danger or urgent need for assistance.
- Door open/close buttons: In cases of entrapment, attempt to use the door open/close buttons to see if it is possible to exit safely.
- Emergency lighting: Ensure that the emergency lighting system is functioning correctly, providing visibility in cases of power outages.
By taking these safety precautions, both elevator passengers and building management can contribute to reducing the risk of accidents and improve overall elevator safety.
During the Fall
Position Your Body
As the elevator plummets, it’s essential to position your body correctly to increase your chances of survival. The consensus view among experts indicates that the best way to do this is to lie flat on your back on the floor, as it helps distribute the impact force over a larger area of your body. Additionally, this position protects your spine and vital organs from direct impact (Live Science) .
Brace for Impact
Once you are in the correct position, it’s important to take steps to protect your head and face from debris and minimize injuries. To do this, cover your face and head with your arms and hands, as this can help cushion the impact and protect you from injuries caused by falling objects or structural damage to the elevator. (Survival World)
Remember, while there’s no guarantee that taking these precautions will ensure survival in a falling elevator, they can significantly improve your chances of surviving the ordeal with minimal injuries. It’s crucial to remain calm, assess the situation quickly, and take immediate action to safeguard yourself during the fall.
After the Crash
Stay Calm
First and foremost, it’s important to remain calm after a falling elevator crash. Panic can lead to poor decision-making and further injuries. Take deep breaths and try to assess the situation before taking any action.
Check for Injuries
Check yourself and others for any injuries. If you or anyone in the elevator is injured, try to address the injuries as best as you can using the available resources. For example, use clothing to create a tourniquet or apply pressure on wounds to slow bleeding.
Call for Help
Once you have assessed the situation and addressed any injuries, your next step is to call for help. Use your cell phone or the elevator’s emergency phone to reach building management, security, or emergency services. If possible, provide them with details about the extent of injuries and the location of the crashed elevator to help guide rescuers.
While waiting for help to arrive, it can be helpful to follow these additional tips:
- Use any available light sources, like your cell phone flashlight, to increase visibility.
- Stay together with any other occupants to provide each other support and reassurance.
- If the elevator is stable, try to pry open the doors and check if there’s a safe way to exit. However, avoid trying to climb out of the elevator if it’s suspended mid-air, as this may be more dangerous.
- Conserve your phone battery by limiting use and turning on power-saving mode, as your device may be your only communication tool.
Myths Debunked
One common myth surrounding elevator falls is the idea that jumping at the last moment can save your life. This belief, however, is not accurate. The reason is that both you and the elevator would be falling at a similar speed, making it practically impossible to create enough upward force by jumping to counteract the downward motion.
Another misconception is that air resistance will have a significant impact on the fall. While it is true that trapped air in the elevator shaft might provide some cushioning effect, air resistance will make little difference as the elevator will likely be falling at over 200 km/h before any noticeable drag kicks in.
It is important to note that modern elevators are designed with numerous safety features. As a result, the chances of experiencing an elevator free fall are extremely low, at a miniscule 0.00000015 per cent. These safety features include multiple braking systems, strong steel cables, and counterweights to ensure safe operation.
Furthermore, the story of Betty Lou Oliver, who holds the Guinness World Record for Longest Fall Survived in an Elevator, is often cited as evidence of miraculous elevator fall survival. However, her case remains an extraordinary exception and not the rule.
And so, it is crucial to approach the topic of surviving a falling elevator with a sense of realism, a focus on prevention, and an understanding of the engineering aspects that contribute to elevator safety.
Conclusion
In the unlikely event of an elevator free fall, it is important to remain calm and take the necessary steps to increase your chances of survival. Experts agree that the best position to assume is to lay flat on your back with your arms covering your face. This helps to distribute your body weight evenly and can protect your face from debris.
While air resistance may not significantly slow down the falling elevator, trapped air in the shaft could potentially create a cushioning effect that could mitigate the impact to some extent. However, this is not a guarantee and survival is still uncertain in such an extreme situation.
Regular elevator inspections and proper maintenance are crucial in order to prevent such incidents from happening. Building owners and property managers should ensure that all elevators adhere to safety standards and are in proper working condition.
It is essential to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines while using elevators. In case of any unusual behavior, report it to the building management immediately to avoid potential accidents.
