Community

U.S. Firefighters Donate Ambulance and Rescue Equipment to Haiti

WEST PALM BEACH, USA (defend.ht) - An organization of U.S. firefighters announced the donation of an ambulance and rescue gear for volunteer firefighters in Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti. On Tuesday, the town experienced a massive fire in its biggest market.

The International Firefighters Assistance (IFA) , founded by Haitian-American firefighter, Nathaniel Lasseur, announced the donation on Thursday. The ambulance was received from The Stentorians of Los Angeles County, California, a charter member of the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters. The groups hope to complete the delivery of the ambulance by December 15th.

An operations lieutenant for the West Palm Beach Fire Rescue, Lieutenant Nathaniel Lasseur, trained in firefighting, emergency medical treatment and a paramedic, began visiting Haiti regularly with his organization, the IFA.

The IFA has held seasonal rescue training sessions in emergency preparedness, flood rescue, CPR and other life-saving techniques in Haiti and recently brought a group of Haitian volunteers to the United States to train in simulated emergency flood situations.

Efforts in Haiti

Haiti is prone to natural and unnatural disasters and the IFA has developed a relationship of training and equipment donations to assist the people and minimize loss-of-life.

Recently, on Tuesday, in the town of Croix-des-Bouquets, a large fire was not able to be fought causing the loss of livlihood for over 200 merchants.

Heavy rains often cause significant damage to property but many lives are lost as well due to the limitations of first-responders.

In 2008, a school collapsed killing close to 100 students and teachers. IFA founder, Lasseur just happened to be in Haiti at the time and was instrumental in saving lives, notably a six year old boy who was trapped under heavy debris for more than 15 hours. More about Lieutenant Lasseur.