08/25/2026
DRM’S ROLE: TRAINING FOR THE RESPONSE—RESPECTING THE TRADE
Dragon Rescue Management respects the specialized knowledge, training and experience of qualified elevator professionals. Our programs are not intended to turn firefighters into elevator mechanics, teach elevator repair or replace the elevator industry.
First responders are dispatched to stalled occupied elevators because the condition of the passengers, and the circumstances surrounding the stall, may initially be unknown. Firefighters may arrive before an elevator mechanic and must determine whether fire, injury, illness, panic or another immediate hazard exists.
When occupants are stable and no immediate hazard exists, securing the scene, maintaining communication and awaiting qualified elevator personnel may be the safest decision.
However, when conditions require action, first responders must be trained to:
• Recognize elevator-specific hazards
• Conduct an appropriate risk assessment
• Protect and communicate with occupants
• Prevent unexpected elevator movement
• Select the least hazardous removal option
• Operate within their training, departmental procedures and local authority
• Coordinate professionally with elevator personnel
That is DRM’s mission: hazard recognition, sound decision-making, passenger protection and safer incident management.
We welcome specific, technically supported feedback. If an elevator professional believes that a particular part of our training is inaccurate or unsafe, identify the specific concern and provide the applicable standard or manufacturer guidance. We will review it objectively.
Firefighters and elevator professionals should not be adversaries. We share the same objective: protecting the public and ensuring everyone goes home safely.
With decades of real-world experience in both the elevator industry and the fire service, DRM is uniquely qualified to provide first responders with the most practical, credible and safety-focused elevator emergency training available.
Let’s replace territorial arguments with professional cooperation.
Work smart…work safe…train often…train safe!
