Abstract: An emergency release assembly for a door includes a latch mechanism to retain the door in a normally closed position yet releases to let the door move to an emergency open position. A release mechanism triggers the latch mechanism. The release mechanism has a reciprocating member that operates the latch mechanism. A push bar moves from an extended position through an intermediate position to a depressed position. A link member interconnects the push bar and the reciprocating member. When the push bar moves from the intermediate to the depressed position, it operates the reciprocating member to trigger the latch mechanism. A catch member operates to limit movement of the push bar between the intermediate and depressed positions but can be released to allow the push bar to move to the extended position. When the push bar is in the intermediate position, it is flush with the door muntin.