Mike Colón Media

In Episode 405 of Mic’d In New Haven — The Best of The Bravest: Nationwide (Volume 13) — Stamford Fire Department Rescue 1 firefighter Mike Dragonetti explains the S.L.I.P. Method, a systematic approach firefighters use when operating on top of an elevator car during rescue operations.

The process begins by securing power and accessing the elevator’s inspection station before entering the car top. Firefighters then place the system into inspection mode, giving them controlled movement of the elevator while they operate.

From there, mechanical safeguards are put in place to prevent both upward and downward movement — addressing the counterweight system and securing the governor cable tied to the car’s safety wedges.

Only once those steps are completed is it truly safe to operate on top of the elevator and remove trapped occupants.

It’s a practical look at the type of specialized knowledge firefighters rely on for one of the most common — and potentially dangerous — technical rescue calls.

Outro Song: Rolling Stones – Miss You (1978)

FULL INTERVIEW HERE: