With the cooperation of Fort Hays State University, City of Hays firefighters are training in passenger elevator accident rescue procedures. This training is being conducted using the elevators at Weist Hall on campus.

This type of rescue requires shutting off power to the elevator hoisting machinery to prevent unintended movement, gaining access to the elevator through the hoistway doors and bringing trapped persons out through the elevator car doors or the car roof hatch. Because a stalled elevator car may be located between floors, care must be taken to be sure rescuers and victims do not accidentally fall into the elevator shaft.

City of Hays firefighters are trained and equipped to rescue persons from entrapment by vehicle crashes, machinery entanglement, building collapse, trench cave-in, high angles, confined spaces and similar situations.