Wayne Firefighters Rappel To Rescue 6 Kids Trapped In Trampoline Park Elevator

WAYNE, NJ — Kids often soar to new heights at the Roarin' Jump Trampoline Park. But Wayne's first responders had to get creative to rescue six children trapped in an elevator 25 feet below the ground floor.

Police responded at about 5 p.m. Friday to find six kids — all about 13 years old — who needed rescuing. The elevator car got stuck near the ground floor, and the doors wouldn't open.

Wayne Fire Department Companies 1, 2 and 5 came to the scene and determined a high-angle rescue was necessary.

"Elevator rope rescues are always a last resort and only performed when all other options have been exhausted or the quick removal of the patient is crucial to their well-being," Wayne Fire Company 5 wrote on social media.

Rescuing the children required a team effort. Fire Company 2 Chief Paul Gleba assumed command, while Fire Company 1 Chief Greg Laskowski assumed the role of operations chief. The Wayne Fire Department Special Response Team and Rescue 5 conducted the high-angle rescue procedures.

Members Mike Leonard and Anthony Gabriel descended the elevator shaft to the hatch on the elevator car. The firefighters rescued each kid one-at-a-time by rigging them and hoisting them to the second floor.

The Wayne First Aid Squad evaluated the children, but none required further medical attention. They were reunited with their parents and guardians.

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