April 6, 2023 Two Long Beach firefighters suffered minor injuries in the crash while responding to a call.
The local union is speaking out about safety after a Long Beach firefighter fell asleep behind the wheel of an ambulance Sunday.
“It takes, unfortunately, a tragedy or a potential tragedy for a light to be shined on this and to get people to act,” IAFF Local 372 President Rex Pritchard told a KCAL reporter.
The crew suffered minor injuries when the ambulance hit a power pole, a crosswalk sign and a wall.
“Right now, we still have employees who are still dealing with sleep deprivation and knowing that this has been going on for over a year and didn’t come up with concrete solutions to solve it,” Pritchard said.
In a letter to the two unions, Long Beach Fire Chief Dennis Buchannan said he is trying to expedite the hiring process.
“What is very common in this department is to work 72-hour shifts. You’re lucky if you get, in that 72 hours, four to six hours of rest,” the union head said.