Brooklyn Heights business offers food, rest for EMTs between calls

A business in Brooklyn Heights is now welcoming EMTs in need of a break between calls.

News 12 Staff

Apr 29, 2020, 11:22 AM

Updated 1,679 days ago

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A business in Brooklyn Heights is now welcoming EMTs in need of a break between calls.
Walking by ONE°15 Brooklyn Marina, ambulances have become a common sight.
"Honestly, this has been like a safe haven for all of us,” says EMT Christopher Caldwell.
Deputy CEO of ONE°15 Brooklyn Marina, Estelle Lau, tells News 12 how it all started one day when she walked over to an ambulance that was parked out in front.
“The EMS person immediately rolled down the window and was very apologetic and said we're so sorry to be parked in front of your restaurant. And I said, ‘what are you talking about. I came over to offer you some free coffee and pastries,’” says Lau.
She says what the EMT said in response shocked her.
“He said restaurants and buildings don't like us parking in front of them because it makes people nervous,” says Lau.
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She decided to make the location a place where first responders would have access to a bathroom and free meal.
EMTs say it can be something difficult to find, particularly for these crews who have come from other states to help the city.
"Their shifts are very busy. So, in a 12-hour shift they may be running 10 to 15 calls in that time frame. So, it is a challenge to get a hot coffee or to find a bathroom,” says Chris Chaplin, of American Medical Response.
Residents at ONE°15 Brooklyn Marina have donated to a GoFundMe page that's raised more than $18,000 to provide meals for those workers.
"It's really an amazing thing to know that after a long day we have somewhere that we can touch base, call home and have a nice group to come back and talk to,” says EMT Catherine Gibbs.
Lau says it's important to do what we can to help front-line workers as they fight this pandemic.