Alberta Firefighters push for spot in vaccine line

CALGARY (CityNews) – They’re on the frontlines, but not in the line for vaccines. Alberta’s firefighters are pushing to get their shots along with other first responders.

Hundreds of firefighters argue they spend most of their time in people’s homes, vehicles and not just fighting fires of staying in the firehall. However, firefighters have been left out of the next inoculation phase.

About 30 Calgary firefighters tested positive for COVID-19 in the last year, according to the Calgary Firefighters Association.

“We’ve had over 70 firefighters quarantined for the quarantine period due to close contact in fire halls, what happens is that the rest of the firefighters have to fill in, because those fire trucks still need to be staffed,” said Matt Osborne with the Calgary Firefighters Association.

“We need to be there for those communities. So what happens is other firefighters come in from other fire halls.”

WATCH: Alberta police ask province to vaccinate frontline officers

This week, the province announced that Phase 2C will include police, doctors, dentists, and meatpacking employees and other workers.

Alberta’s top doctor said with limited vaccine supply, they’re focused on health conditions.

In a news release Thursday, the organization representing over 3000 Alberta firefighters notes there are still no plans for their members who attend calls similar to paramedics, often in full protective gear.

“We do fire, medical response, we do respond to opioid overdoses, we do respond to heart attacks, we respond to people’s homes and businesses and that’s a part of our work,” added Osborne.
The association said there are local firefighters who are also trained as paramedics that have been able to get their shots, but that’s not as common in cities like Calgary and Edmonton.

“All we’re asking is to be put into the vaccine program at a time that makes sense,” said Osborne.