Star of Life symbol next to an elevator

[ghurty]

I always noticed that by some elevators there is a Star of Life. Does this only reference that the elevator is a certain size, or perhaps also some sort of override?

Thanks

[Paragod357]

I have been a paramedic for 12 years and have been in a lot of elevators but have never noticed a star of life next to one. Maybe it is a local or regional thing.

[Dustdevil]

Those surprised me too, the first time I saw them probably two years ago. Definitely not a regional thing. There are just a lot of places that are not yet compliant. We'll be seeing more of these. Here's a quote of the applicable code:

• Stretcher Access: The 1997 Uniform Building Code (UBC) Section 3003.5 stipulates the following minimum requirements for stretcher access in case of medical emergencies.

3003.5 Stretcher Requirements. In all structures four or more stories in

height, at least one elevator shall be provided with a minimum clear distance between walls or between walls and door excluding return panels, of not less than 80" by 54", and a minimum distance from wall to return panel of not less than 51" with a 42" side slide door, unless otherwise designed to accommodate an ambulance type stretcher 76" by 24" in the horizontal position.

In buildings where one elevator does not serve all floors, two or more elevators may be used. The elevators shall be identified by the international symbol for emergency medical services (Star of Life). The symbol shall not be less than 3 inches and placed inside on both sides of the hoistway door frame. The symbol shall be placed no lower than 78" from the floor level or higher than 84" from floor level.

• Source:

http://www.hkaconsulting.com/Pages/Elevato...ar%20Sizes.html

[SSG G-man]

Wow! Never noticed that before!! The things you can learn on this site!!!!

Sarge.

[Chief1C]

Obviously none of the local structures are compliant with that code.. Often, we either have to lift up one end of the litter to get into the elevator. Or.. We have to remove the backboard from the litter, and take it in at a 45* angle. :x

[iMac]

only seen that in Disneyland elavators...

[JPINFV]

Hmm. I've seen those things all over the place growing up. Maybe it's one of the few things that the People's Republic of California have gotten right.

[Richard B the EMT]

Never seen it, but like it. There's a lot of places I would like to see a retrofit, even knowing that will never happen in some buildings.

[KE5EHI]

I saw'em for the first in at the Hale Koa in Honolulu. I figured they were to mark an elevator that either was larger or had an override. Guess I was right (for a change, hehe). Yeah, I wish they had more of those around where I work. Of course after a while you learn which elevators to take in certain buildings.

[AnthonyM83]

Hmm. I've seen those things all over the place growing up. Maybe it's one of the few things that the People's Republic of California have gotten right.

One thing about CA is they always try to be about the consumer

I've only seen those at the hospital and I think some high class con homes?