Do elevators have a code that allows EMS responders to surpass all floors if someone else has pushed a button?

Question

For example, if someone is in trouble on the 10th floor of a building, EMS arrives and tries to get up there, is there a series of pushes (on the button) that brings the elevator down immediatly and ignores all other pushes? Or do they just wait? Or just take the stairs?

Answer 1

All new elevator installations over 2 floors are required by code to be equipped with "Firefighter Service", a mode which recalls the elevator to the lobby floor and then allows the elevator to be operated independent of the hall calls.  There is also an option on most elevators called "independent service" which enables the elevator to be run independent of hall calls, but this mode is not required by code and not always key operated.

Answer 2

In the U.S., all elevators are required to have "key" operation. This allows emergency personnel to bypass all floors except the one to which they need to get. The next time you are in an elevator, look below the buttons and you will see the slot for key operation.