By News Staff
BALTIMORE — A lack of full-time EMTs is putting a strain on city firefighters and citizens needing assistance.
WMAR 2 News reported that on Wednesday, four fire engines out of eight were out of service, forcing crews farther away from the emergency to respond, as closer units were unable to do so.
At one point, according to WMAR, a fire could be seen from the fire station that was on standby as a medic unit.
Dickie Altieri, president of the IAFF Local 734, said the situation makes it complicated for everyone involved, particularly for those responding to fires away from their traditional area.
“Now we’ve got a different one coming in and being first in,” Altieri said. “These guys are now thinking, ‘Who’s my backup? Where are they coming from?’ because we have all these units out of service.”
Altieri met with Mayor Catherine Pugh before she took a leave of absence, and plans to meet with Ex Officio Mayor Jack Young soon.