With the increase in calls for help related to migrants, Eagle Pass Fire Chief Manuel Mello has implemented a new policy to cope with the surge. The city has added a fifth ambulance, dedicated solely to treating migrants, as the fire department struggles to handle the influx. Mello revealed that they are now receiving up to 50 calls a day, a significant increase compared to the usual 27 to 30 calls per day. To alleviate pressure on the city’s overwhelmed emergency room, patients are now only transported if their condition is deemed critical.
The fire chief shared some harrowing stories, highlighting the severity of the injuries suffered by migrants. He recounted an incident where they retrieved a patient from the river’s edge, only to discover a broken femur sustained during a Mexico accident. Sadly, not everyone makes it across the river alive, with Mello disclosing that between January and December, the fire department responded to 43 drownings, including 12 minors aged 15 and below.
The toll of the ongoing humanitarian crisis is taking its toll on even the most resilient of firefighters. Mello recounted an incident where one of the swiftwater rescue specialists, known for his stoicism, expressed frustration and weariness, saying, I’m tired of seeing dead people. It’s a heartbreaking reminder of the emotional strain faced by those on the frontlines.
While state and federal governments continue to grapple with identifying a solution to the border problems, Mello and his team are left to prepare for the next surge of migrants. I’m hoping that it completely stops, he said, acknowledging the history that suggests otherwise.
The challenges faced by the Eagle Pass Fire Department amidst the influx of migrants calls for attention and action. As the numbers continue to rise, it is crucial for authorities to address the strain on emergency services and ensure the well-being of both migrants and the community at large.
