Left Without Supplies For Wounded Victims, Detroit Firefighters Beg Public For Help
DETROIT (WWJ) - It's an urgent plea to the community from Detroit Firefighters who say they're subjected to unsanitary working conditions.
A 27-year veteran of the force, who did not want to be named, said conditions at Engine Company 53 on Greenfield and Fenkell are deplorable. He said their supply room is empty and they can no longer do their job safely. Shockingly, he said there are no gloves in stock, a safety staple they're desperately in need of.
"There are gloves for EMS, and they told us they don't have any to give us. So we don't have any," he said.
The firefighter, who described their predicament as "pure insanity," said they can't provide immediate aid properly to wounded victims. On top of that, the lack of supplies creates "horrific" working conditions for the firefighters.
"We do anything we can to help and what ends up happening is, it's unsanitary. Those latex gloves are sanitary, so it protects us from blood and it protects the people from us. So, when we don't have the latex gloves, we have to use our fire gloves," he said, adding that those fire gloves are not easy to clean.
Another 10-year veteran said it's difficult to ask for help.
"Especially with the dire straights that the city is in, we are not getting the supplies that we need completely. We've had support from the citizens before and now we need it again," he said.
The firefighters say the problems aren't limited to their company, either. They say every fire station in Detroit is in a similar situation.
The firefighters are now pleading with the public to help stock their medical cabinets with first aid equipment, such as latex gloves, bandages and gauze. Donated items can be dropped off at any fire station in Detroit.
