A day ago returning from a really fabulous family gathering in Phoenix, seeing people I haven't been around for a long time and being basically a happy camper, I fell down the entire length of the escalator at SEATAC leading to the cabstands.

THE First STEP! then all the way down. I passed my suitcase part way down so it ended up on top of me. All I needed to make it perfect was funny-nose-and glasses and clown-car music.

I'm fine. A stiff wrist, a bruise on my hip, a scratch on my head and a warm feeling for the number of people that popped up from nowhere to help me and see if I was dead. All I needed was a hand to get untangled and stand up, but still, a warm feeling.

I now understand that it happens there once a day so I don't even get to think I'm special. I do think they should have escalator stewardesses available to escort old guys through the danger zone though.

Glad you’re okay. That sounds like it could have been much worse. Pride heals quickly, bones, not so much.

My gosh! That sounds awful. I’m glad so many folks jumped forward to help- not enough people do that these days. Glad you are ok.

Yep, glad you’re OK. Thanks for the funny post!

Glad you didn’t fall on the “up” escalator – I see the possibility of a fallen person getting tumbled for an indefinite interval.

Glad you're ok.
Just be glad it wasn't the UP escalator or you could still be falling.
Sorry. Hoping for a smile.

Edit: oops, I'm not sure how I missed PipeSmokers comment.
I think Homer Simpson managed to fall down the UP escalator.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: dsiets, March 05, 2025 10:38 AM

Count your blessings, that's for sure.
A long-time friend of mine died last month falling in the bathroom.

quote:

Originally posted by Pipe Smoker:
Yep, glad you’re OK. Thanks for the funny post!

Glad you didn’t fall on the “up” escalator – I see the possibility of a fallen person getting tumbled for an indefinite interval.

I almost spit my coffee out visualizing that!

Thanks for the thoughts and kind comments. Everybody has ups and downs, mine just seem to come in comedy skits with a chance of rain and fatalities

I did the same thing at LAX. My wife said it was in slow motion. I spun around, my suitcase beating me up as I went to the bottom.

At least your buddies don't have access to the CCTV footage...

First winter on the job, I was walking up to the front door of the station, hit a patch of black ice, and did a complete feet-over-head slip and fall. Cartoon-style.

Luckily, I wasn't injured beyond minor bruising.

Unluckily, it was all on camera.

Years ago I watched a senior fall down on the up escalator while man-handling his golf club bag. DTW. Just a crazy sitation...once he was "downhill" it was over. My colleague helped him up, and got blood on his hands. Those escalator stairs with the ribbed treads are not friendly.

Let's all take time to reflect on how we can stay centered over our feet.

I don't know whether this is true of all escalators, but on some, there's a side panel at the top and bottom ends (entry and exit), that you can kick to stop the escalator from moving.

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:
I don't know whether this is true of all escalators, but on some, there's a side panel at the top and bottom ends (entry and exit), that you can kick to stop the escalator from moving.

Very useful I suppose. So once you go ass over tin cup on the top step your can hope your pointed in the right direction when you hit the bottom WHEN IT DOESN'T MATTER.
Who said elevator guys don't have s sense of humor

quote:

Originally posted by wishfull thinker:

So once you go ass over tin cup on the top step your can hope your pointed in the right direction when you hit the bottom WHEN IT DOESN'T MATTER.

Many years ago I had a part-time job in a department store to pick up a few extra bucks. During the new employee orientation we were shown how to kick the panel to stop the motion if we saw a customer trip or lose balance on the escalator.

quote:

Many years ago I had a part-time job in a department store to pick up a few extra bucks. During the new employee orientation we were shown how to kick the panel to stop the motion if we saw a customer trip or lose balance on the escalator.

Not these days. Escalator consultant needs to be called. Expensive for the business but safer. The current elevators shut off when some clown runs down them. Escalators require a fair bit of service and in many locales it is Union only for repairs.