WASHINGTON — A 1-month-old infant was transported to the hospital in a fire truck Monday because the closest ambulance was 12 minutes away.
For the second time in one week, a baby had to be transported to the hospital in a fire truck because no ambulance was available. On Sept. 3 a 5-month-old infant having an asthma attack, also transported part of the way to the hospital in a fire engine, did not survive.
The father of the 1-month-old called 911 after he saw the baby was not breathing. A fire truck arrived on scene four minutes later, and the paramedics on board were treating the infant within seven minutes. The ambulance arrived 12 minutes after the 911 call, NBC Washington reported.
Fire officials said the child was in cardiac arrest when they arrived, the Washington Post reported.
Fire Chief Gregory Dean said the baby was conscious and breathing upon arrival at the hospital 22 minutes after dispatch.
Wednesday the baby was home and OK, but the father said he was upset the ambulance took so long to arrive.
Only 39 ambulances were in service Monday, a fire department spokesman said, 10 less than what the mayor promised would be on duty during peak times.
The head of the D.C. firefighters union and city officials said last week 911 abuse contributes to the shortage problem.