The New Haven Fire Department has launched an internal investigation after a firefighter was found unresponsive while on duty.
“Any time one of our units does not respond, it is a great concern of all of us,” Chief John Alston told NBC Connecticut. “Whether that be a firefighter in distress or even a mechanical issue, we take all of it seriously."
Around 1:30 p.m. Saturday, an emergency at the firehouse on Woodward Avenue prevented New Haven firefighters from responding to a medical call.
“Just before they were able to get on to the apparatus they found one of the firefighters unresponsive,” Alston said. “The members then went into quick action, began to treat him.” After the firefighter regained consciousness, his colleagues transported him to Yale-New Haven Hospital. He has since been released, the chief said. The firefighter found unresponsive is on paid administrative leave, pending an internal investigation involving police, the city’s attorney and labor management.