Dublin Fire Brigade is appealing for the public's help in finding equipment stolen from one of its vehicles, while first responders were attending the scene of a cardiac arrest.
The shocking theft took place outside a pub on Fassaugh Avenue last night after paramedics were called to the scene.
The driver was retrieving the stretcher from the fire appliance when the two pieces of specialist equipment were stolen.
One was a hydraulic pump that's used to power the machinery firefighters use to help people trapped in vehicles after a collision. The other was a saw that's used to cut people out.
District Officer at Phibsborough Fire Station, Peter Barriscale, says they're vital for their work but essentially worthless outside of the rescue services.
"They're quite easily identifiable and will essentially be of no use to those who took them. This wouldn't usually happen but it's not unheard of. It has happened occasionally in the past but most people are respectful of our crews and equipment."
Lord Mayor Níal Ring says the robbery is reprehensible but maybe it was a prank.
"If people return the devices to the Mansion House or any fire station, there'll be nothing more said. If the people realise that it could be their own mothers or fathers that might need that equipment, maybe they'd think again."
