How to Survive Being Trapped in an Elevator

Elevators are an essential part of buildings and cities. There are about 900,000 of them in the U.S. and over 15.3 million worldwide. Otis, one of the biggest elevator companies in the U.S., claims to carry the equivalent to the world's population every five days. That’s like lifting all humans on the planet 73 times a year. Yeah, elevators are essential in tall buildings. But they can be dangerous too. In 2005, 37 people died in elevator-related accidents in the U.S. alone. So, here's what you need to know before stepping into that lift. How long could you be trapped in the car? Would you run out of air at some point? And how could you escape through the hatch?
00:00 Intro
01:26 Step 1: Don’t try to be a hero
02:04 Step 2: Focus on the time
02:54 Step 3: Push the button
03:51 Step 4: Hold the line
04:31 Step 5: Keep it well maintained
Produced by the makers of What If. Check out our What If channel: bit.ly/youtube-What-If
Whether it’s an earthquake, mudslide or shark attack, survive whatever awaits you. How To Survive shows how to endure life-threatening moments with science and survivor stories.
Note: This video is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen on this channel. If you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor, the ambulance or the police immediately. Underknown does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned in this video. Reliance on any information provided by Underknown is solely at your own risk.
An Underknown show: underknown.com
#howtosurvive #elevator #trappedinelevator

[@chasemichael6008]

I couldn't imagine an elevator operator deciding not to even bother checking to see if someone was okay just because they weren't speaking their language lol. That's crazy

[@kylenegreene]

I agree

[@ArchonLicht]

I'd say that is CRIMINAL

[@kylenegreene]

Rest in peace to that woman who died in the elevator in China 🤍🙏🏾🤍

[@trendzworld131]

What how

[@piccolo9365]

I just got out of a stuck elevator in 90 degree weather and it’ was one of the most scariest experiences in my life even for the 3 minutes that it lasted. I’m lucky I even had cell phone service cause those fire department buttons didn’t work

[@wylirix0819]

Enimen was scared when he heard : 1:03 *"In 2005 , 37 people died"*

[@CatchingFishes]

Damn

[@xxxx3957]

Yeaaaaaaa

[@lukeypukey4777]

Don't dislike he's trying to help you if your stuck in a elevator

[@smits9006]

They are just bots

[@xxxx3957]

Dar

[@xxxx3957]

Dar

[@AyselAliChannel]

@@smits9006 no

[@watermelonbirb2016]

I remember when i was like 7 i got trapped in a elevator i didn't know how long i was in there for but i think it was atleast 30 minutes but that made me so afraid of elevator's that i start to panic whenever im in one

[@deltalimabravo6727]

Poor thing, at 7? That’s understandable

[@zakosist]

Better just take the stairs then, even if it's a long way to walk

[@dogs321]

I got t

[@missbleach8767]

🍉

[@winifrednyantakyi8391]

Did you ever use elevators since then?

[@zephyr66666]

We actually were stuck in a elevator with no phone reception, emergency bell in the elevator not connected to the building management, lacked of air ventilator. We bang the elevator door, kept ringing the bell to hope someone noticed us. Luckily people from 1st floor heard us and call for help. Rescued after 1/2 hour

[@mechanicalgaming2961]

I am you

[@mechanicalgaming2961]

the same pinch I guess as the only difference is that I was alone in the elevator and the elevator was in a shopping mall and I was out after 10minutes as the elevator opened automatically thanks to the guy who pressed the elevator button from outside moral: check the buttons of the elevator lol

[@earthrooster1969]

Phew! Did the same. Banged on the door. I was stuck with my dog and the power went off! Thankfully help was quick but I was so scared as it was the first time i faced this terror! Plus the cellphone reception from inside was very poor..

[@diecastworld7962]

That's something well shared information since I once got trapped in a train toilet which was rusty due to which the lock became hard and I had to go insane and after restling with it I finally made it out although there was enough room

[@mfelts001]

Hold Up.. Dude was trapped 81 hours? I have seen the FDNY costs thousands of dollars in damages for en entrapment. And who’s was watching the camera? I have questions..

[@applescotchpie3003]

I just got trapped in an elevator a little bit ago. I just called and then waited. They did not know which floor I was on, and it was completely pitch black, but using the darkness to my advantage I was able to locate that within the cracks for the elevator doors, I was in between two floors

[@kalithechamp1412]

Shawty eatin the glizzy when the elevator drop is a golden clip 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@commDude]

im prepared For the Boss Fight 😤 Edit: Tysm for the likes!

[@maryjoyner4141]

What boss fight

[@thecutestaxolotl1893]

Ugh the boss sucks 😡😡😡🤬🤬

[@speedracer1945]

That worker was trapped for 81 hrs and was ignored cuz he couldn't speak English was a big lawsuit but was happy his co workers didn't give up looking for him .

[@dynamosaurusimperious2718]

Is like every video is just surviving the final boss fight,and I love it

[@Jamestube8439]

I'm an elevator enthusiast (someone who studies and enjoys riding elevators) and I have to say you did have some good points about how to get out of a stuck elevator, however there are definitely things you shouldn't do. For example you said at 1:47 to try to pry open the doors, you should never ever attempt to do that. If you cause even more damage to the elevator, it could take even longer for a technician to get you out. Don't try to open the doors ever. At 2:06, tip number 2 is completely pointless, time doesn't matter. It may take you 5 minutes to get out, or even an hour. It all depends on the situation as to why the elevator got stuck and if the technicians can get it to move from where it got stuck. Tip Number 5 is probably one of the best tips for building owners. Get your elevators inspected periodically. I come across so many elevators that have their elevator certificate of operations that are expired. Call the elevator company to have them come out and inspect the elevator. Doing this will help prevent future issues. Overall this was a pretty good video with a lot informative information. I give it a rating of 4.5 out of 5, nice job.

[@anuma6217]

You need to get a life mate

[@Aviator727]

hey can you help me with my fear of elevators plss

[@ipfreely9245]

How many times are these fools gonna have trouble with elevators??? Maybe it's time they watch "HOW TO SURVIVE"!!!

[@fingerjazz]

Have you ever had to use the red button in an elevator?

[@ipfreely9245]

@@fingerjazz I haven't really got to use Elevators, hospitals and sometimes work? What does the red button do? 🤗

[@fingerjazz]

@@ipfreely9245 It's in the video. It calls emergency services.

[@ipfreely9245]

@@fingerjazz Lol only joking? 😆

[@fingerjazz]

@@ipfreely9245 Either way, I'll make a point not to ask you for help if I'm stuck on an elevator. Glad I could entertain you. 😆

[@SharikMik]

I was trapped in an elevator once luckily it is a cage like elevator and we are close to getting to another floor we ring the bell in the elevator but no one came the security guard wasn’t there to turn on the generator after 15-20 minutes later the power came back on and we escaped

[@godswillgee6798]

I am so glad that you survive and made it out alive. Glory to Jesus for that.

[@SharikMik]

@@godswillgee6798 thank you

[@DANIELLE_BREANNA_LACY]

@@SharikMik You were so lucky to have been able to escape. Your story reminds me the sinking of the RMS Lusitania where many people got trapped inside of the ship’s cage-like elevators due its power going out so quickly and all went down with the ship.

[@ConnyWeirdWorld]

No.... this happened to me because too many people entered the elevator behind me. It was so tight. I couldn't move. I panicked and felt like we would die. I avoided elevators afterwards but now with a disability I have to use them :(

[@DANIELLE_BREANNA_LACY]

As long as you never end up in an elevator in a burning building or a sinking ship, you should be fine.

[@svantol412]

Every Post you Make I watch that is why i want you to never stop please i love your channle way to much

[@truonghuyenngoc7734]

If only this video was made sooner so that I'd know what to do in the 2 times I got stuck in an elevator.

[@Lushighs]

How to survive getting caught holding someone other than your girlfriend's hands 😅

[@bongocart]

Wat?

[@ipfreely9245]

Lmao.😂 Dude nobody survives that. 🙃

[@zenzzmlz]

Lol not even my sister she can't see me with

[@ItsAiSing]

Lol

[@corpsewife1317]

There are no survivers

[@user-do4rx2fe1j]

How to survive if stuck in an elevator....basically do whatever you can to get out and scream for help constantly great video thanks!

[@speedracer1945]

If with people and you had to go to the bathroom in that little elevator.

[@Arthur_Morgan.4773]

i was always scared of elevators

[@internationalnewsbagency]

Thanks for sharing such nice informative tips

[@chrishines6048]

I been stuck in a elevator when I was in college once about 2015 when I was taking some laptops and ipads back to the library and I was stuck until half past three but I had laptops and ipads to keep me entertained until I was rescued

[@aybgreg6748]

The Security Ppl at Tracey Towers should've been sued for the Chinese guy being stuck for 3.5 days...shame on those schmucks

[@MrHamimsyahril]

I always love your how to survive videos

[@Idevaughan530]

God how did that Chinese guy survive 4 days in a elevator I hope he’s much better now

[@aacluu918]

If you were trapped in an elevator in New York or England, say English in the intercom so the operators will quickly save you.

[@ThatBettaGirlMia]

Elevators used to be my worst nightmare when I was little. Thank goodness I got over it.

[@user-sq3fo6zl2z]

How u got over?

[@ThatBettaGirlMia]

@@user-sq3fo6zl2z encouragement.

[@ThatBettaGirlMia]

@@user-sq3fo6zl2zMonitored exposure therapy.

[@eddievenuto1862]

I don't have any fear other than being stuck in an elevator because when I go and elevators I think about how frightening and I get scared thinking about if someone happened and I can't get out of an elevator

[@DANIELLE_BREANNA_LACY]

It’s even scarier to be trapped in an elevator in a burning building or a fast sinking ship.

[@Critical-Thinker895]

Being "trapped" in an elevator is not fatal so to survive just stay calm and wait. Those accidents in 2005 were people who intentionally disregarded elevator safety.

[@jinansaleh5920]

remember me when the elavator opens😂

[@sherlyfrancoisfils414]

“How long can you be trapped” My sister: forever?

[@LethalAnimals1]

Amazing video !!!

[@NHS_Official]

When I was young, one day the elevator current went out. After 15 minutes I went out and made an emergency call

[@emiratharakmalsaleh3847]

The luckiest day ever on my life is : i was stuck with elevator with my family, and pressed the open button 2 times it worked after that living on hotel the elevator is on problem i cant tell if im still scared of elevator but actually i am

[@flopmp4xs301]

hi!! I really love your videos!

[@thelastroman7791]

I’m literally trapped in an elevator right now, trying not to panic.

[@danpalmer6191]

oh my god ty your tips actually worked!

[@SUBWAYCULOUSARCADE]

I was actually Stuck in an elevator when I was a kid with my sister for 3 hours like I anyone was trapped

[@SharikMik]

I was trapped in an elevator for 15 minutes with my mom the power was off and the security guard wasn’t there so no one turned the generator on

[@marioverabarrera8669]

this is really useful

[@slzryz_roblox7963]

First clip man the funniest one🤣🤣

[@GiaKendall]

Thanks for helping us survive 😄😄

[@pos1311]

Sure, first try to force the doors open and scream for help. THEN and only then push the alarm button.

[@MuichiroTokito25384]

I don't use elovators I always use stairs lol

[@inkroar9714]

I once rushed in an elevator without my parents and i got trapped but not for too long like only a minutes and i got out with the help of my parents

[@azraifirdausazrin9723]

Remember me when this vid is famous

[@ijustexist7914]

Me watching this on my birthday because I have nothing better to do!! 😑

[@tobiojo9454]

Great video

[@TheTerminato_r2299]

Happy 800k sub and idea how to survive a rock fall

[@mechanicalgaming2961]

which one do you prefer : elevators or esculators I prefer the escalator as they are a conveyer belt open so and they are more cool lol

[@JaneNayes]

What

[@Rekku321]

I will always take the stairs no matter what

[@Rekku321]

@eeugene don't care

[@warweaponx6629]

You’re screwed basically until someone rescues you. That’s why I take the stairs

[@ZephyrTheRobloxian]

i remember when i was like 6 in Portugal I was in my cousins apartment in the elevator there was a stop button so sometimes one of my cousins would press it after a few weeks the elevator were out of service

[@gatishinde5002]

I once got stuck in the elevator in my dream. It was awesome. (Not sarcasm)

[@zakosist]

The very first nightmare I can remember to have had was actually getting stuck in an elevator, but this one wasn't still but rather kept going down forever and I knew it would never stop. I was probably only around a year old when I dreamed of that.

[@quandalev1nce660]

I got stuck in an elevator, so like me, my mom and my sister was going to go for a car ride and my mom and sister was dressing up for a long time so I decided that I'll go first so when I hopped on on the levator everything was fine but suddenly the lights went out and I was trapped The only thing I could see was the emergency button so I clicked and I yelled and I was crying thinking I would be on the news but it putted me on floor 5 (I'm from floor 7) and there was this lady I told her everything and she was shocked and then I used the stairs and then one of the security said if I was ok and everything was back to normal but I still have trauma.(It only lasted about 15 scary seconds)

[@sienatonkinson]

recently i got stuck in an elevator on my birthday and i will never forget it(since i was little ive always had a fear of lifts for no exact reason). ten of us kids were trapped in a metal box 3 stories high with no service. the emergency button wouldnt work, it just sounded an alarm. the security cameras didnt work either. we bashed open the fire phone with my friends drink bottle and that didnt work either. we were sitting mid air for 2 hours. we were lucky enough to pry the doors open the slightest bit to get signal for our phones but ofcourse the emergency number wouldnt work. we managed to text one of our friends to call the number and send the mechanics. thanks sydney airport P7 carpark for that wonderful birthday of mine, now i cant even look at an elevator without feeling dizzy or sick.

[@DANIELLE_BREANNA_LACY]

At least you guys weren’t trapped in an elevator in a burning building or a fast sinking ship.

[@IrfanUllah-sm1qj]

Just today I stuck in elevator but the fire brigade and service person arrive in five minutes and keep me out the elevator in 5minutes. But these five minutes are the most difficult for me. But thanks to emergency service person

[@diliniwickramasinghe5948]

I am a 11 year old child. I was trapped in an elevator for 2 times with a friend. When I trapped first one big brother rescue me. After that I watch how to survive. And second time I rescue by myself. Thank you.

[@calebsamuelrivera4725]

How to survive in 2099: how to survive a the end of the world

[@lakshminarayana4131]

The only thing to survive is don't use elavator.. 😂 use stairs and be fit... 😂😂

[@tsachie4822]

Nice vid

[@tristissimvshominvm8999]

Please do how to survive Mike Tyson.

[@sauceontoes3457]

Bruh

[@lucasroi3.14]

what

[@karicewillis]

​@@lucasroi3.14I'm assuming Tris was saying how to survive being punched out by Mike Tyson? 🤔

[@nirodhaperera7424]

Firest comment I love you plese make abut how to survive covid 19

[@alexgajda472]

People stuck in the elevator rn:

[@finarfin06]

I haven't being trapped in a elevator before ⭐

[@im_justin]

Elevators are incredibly safe for the user, safer than the stairs or other modes of transportation. They are dangerous for technicians tho

[@DANIELLE_BREANNA_LACY]

They are also dangerous for people who are trying to evacuate a dangerous situation.

[@justjoined7184]

U doing great..👍🏻 👌 🤝

[@lieladi7648]

2:59 me who always accidently pushes that button and yet nothing happen

[@hithischannelisforfun9975]

Bro that guy really thought he was really gonna break that wall

[@daniel.sandberg.5298]

I have only used elevator a couple of times in my 18 year life.

[@jonathangarcia9617]

Nice video of the day.

[@ki-pattao9030]

This time I'll take the stairs.

[@rorymcneely324]

Please can you do a video on how to survive a Jaguar attack video please I have been begging for you to do a video on that please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ipfreely9245]

Keep going mate. 👍 I see you every video you deserve that response. 👏

[@rorymcneely324]

@@ipfreely9245 thanks

[@peafowlgames6282]

Idea: How to survive acid rain

[@usharavichandran2618]

This happens so rare

[@mariamilacena5575]

Early can I get a heart? I love your content

[@ipfreely9245]

I'll give you a heart. ❤

[@leonmead6175]

At 4:50 did she get stuck in the elevator because they turned it off or was it already broken?

[@dinonuggies1809]

My grandma got stuck in a elevator she almost passed out because it wad way to hot but she got out tho.” Don’t be a hero”😭😭😭🤣

[@cliffpadilla5871]

Luckily, I was stuck in a freight elevator that only went from the basement to the ground floor.

[@DANIELLE_BREANNA_LACY]

Yeah, you were also lucky that you weren’t stuck in an elevator in a burning building or a fast sinking ship.

[@Blxcksmoothie]

Step 1 : don’t try to be a hero Everyone in a stuck lift (like me 😂) : OMG AHHHH HELLPPP AH IM GONNA DIEEEE AHHHHHH EEEEEE * starts crying *

[@ipfreely9245]

Are you still stuck? 🤔😁

[@Blxcksmoothie]

No 😂

[@ipfreely9245]

@@Blxcksmoothie Glad to hear your alive and well 🙏😂👍

[@Blxcksmoothie]

👍🏻😂🤣

[@svantol412]

Wooow I love your Channle

[@scotsman9930]

Hey I have a video idea for you! How to survive the sting of a Box Jellyfish and Man o’ war jellyfish stings! I once went to a beach and saw loads of beached Portuguese Man o’ war jellyfish it wasn’t the best experience ever

[@mahithakumar1854]

I got stuck in my home elevator twice though i did get out within a few minutes. I was with my parents at the time, it was still scary and to this day i always take the stairs

[@DANIELLE_BREANNA_LACY]

At least it wasn’t an elevator in a burning building or a fast sinking ship.

[@MollanPollzan]

My nr 1 rule when riding an elevator: Don’t ride it on a Friday or if you’re going to take a few days off.

[@Akarisoy]

My dad survived being locked in for like 4 hours now he is freaking scaried of elevators😂

[@yourlocalquirkygurl9418]

One time I was trapped in an elevator but, I was lucky because It was kinda opened (not enough to leave though) and it was at the lobby. Plus someone gave be orange juice. (But then I had to pee really bad)

[@darthdimitrescu3249]

@How to Survive Request for a video : How to survive a dinosaur attack

[@hellcat2206]

Only legends are watching this in a elevator and are freaking off ( it's me)

[@wolf8088]

Next video how to survive blackhole

[@zuleyhaackgoz2867]

Ms.maemae and five little crocodiles are trapped in the elevator but they survived

[@unemployedgringo]

This may be the most unhelpful video I've ever seen in my life

[@sanna46650]

Watching this to save my self in case 😭if I get stuck in elevator

[@bongocart]

Wait we saw this one right? EVERYOne Ujhhhhhhhhh okkkkkkkk

[@Akariyume]

I have a fear of elevators I got stuck when the doors wouldn’t open

[@griffany]

Step 5: Keep It well Maintained

[@ezanahmed8707]

I already have phobia of elevator being stuck

[@ciarancervantes]

0:57 what’s this place called?

[@nachorap3883]

When I was younger my parents and I were trapeed in an elevator, but no for so long.

[@davepowell7168]

Unfortunate, l liked it