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What are wheelchair-bound people to do when a building alarm disables elevators? (lemmy.sdf.org)

submitted 5 months ago by some_guy@lemmy.sdf.org to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

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We had a false alarm go off in the building where I work last week. The elevators automatically shut down forcing the use of the fire escapes. The building is 22 floors. I was lucky in that I’d just taken the elevator to the first floor to step outside on a break. When they finally let us back in, I wondered what someone with mobility issues is expected to do had the building been on fire. Just die? Have a kind soul carry them? With most people wfh at least a couple of days per week, this seems really dangerous for anyone who might get stranded.

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[-] Waraugh@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 5 months ago

Good on you, that thing looks terrifying to sit in. I guess a fire is pretty good motivation to strap into the damn thing but it doesn’t look safe at all. I was expecting like sled tracks with a triple wheeled axle that would have some kind of hand break to keep it from free sledding down the stairs and stop entirely if released.

[-] Summzashi@lemmy.one 5 points 5 months ago

It's kinda hard to explain, but you need to kinda push it down the stairs. The tracks have loads of resistance, providing it's maintained properly. I don't think it's unsafe with proper maintenance, but the experience of sitting in that chair surely makes you question if you're absolutely sure about that. You can't see the tracks from where you're sitting, and your legs just dangle above a height you perceive as 2+ meters because of the slope of the stairs and the incline of the chair. And then the person behind you actively pushes you into that, making you instinctively react to an incoming free fall.

Also in a fire or any other evacuation it's very important you stay calm. You're not gonna stay calm in this. I'm not scared easily but even I fucking hated it. Let alone someone thats wounded and scared to begin with.

I don't know how many facility managers are here, but get an evac mattress. It's cheaper and doesn't need maintenance and is infinitely user Friendly.

[-] Waraugh@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago)

Haha, you did a really good job explaining how incredibly unnerving that would be. Just staring off a cliff of pain while somebody actively pushes you infinitely further off the ledge with no control over your own fate.

Edit: even the guy on the website looks like he’s questioning his decision to get strapped in for the picture

this post was submitted on 20 Jul 2024

245 points (98.8% liked)

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