EMT's Foot Woes: These Boots Are Made for Itchin'; FDNY Can't Shoe Problems
By ARI PAUL
A pair of top-of-the-line emergency responder boots has left Bronx-based Emergency Medical Technician Peter Capetanos itching so much that he had to be scratched from his normal duties.

The Chief-Leader/Adrienne Haywood-James GIVEN THE BOOT: Emergency Medical Technician Peter Capetanos has been put on light duty because an allergy prevents him from working in the field with the Fire Department-mandated boots. He complained that his modified-duty assignment prevents him from earning overtime pay.

The footwear mandated for EMTs and Paramedics causes such severe itching for Mr. Capetanos that he cannot do his job, and since the Fire Department has been unable to provide him alternative boots, he has been placed on modified assignment.

'Hives All Over My Feet'

"I wore them fine for a little bit over a year, and one day out of the blue I just had contact dermatitis," he said, explaining that the Emergency Medical Service issued the boots in the summer of 2006. "I just broke out with hives all over my feet. I couldn't wear the boots because it would make the condition worse."

He had worn his old EMS boots since then and was prescribed ointments to treat the allergy. This year, he received department orders that the boot that caused the outbreak, Morning Pride 6006 — a product of the company Total Fire — would be required for all ambulance runs. On Sept. 11, he was told not to report to work and instead go to the FDNY's Bureau of Health Services to provide medical documentation of his condition.

"I've done that and they said I get a modified boot of the same thing or alternative footwear," he said. "I went to Quartermaster, but there's absolutely no secondary boot I can have."

As a result, last week Mr. Capetanos was put on modified duty at his normal base, Station 14 at Lincoln Hospital. Mr. Capetanos said his union, Local 2507 of District Council 37, was filing a grievance on his behalf.

Bob Ungar, a spokesman for Local 2507, said that many members had complained about the new model of boots, saying that they are sustaining a variety of foot injuries, sometimes causing members to take time off. He said there was no reason why EMS responders should have to wear boots made for hazardous situations full time, especially when the union considers them a safety and health concern.

"The boots are hurting our members and the Chief of EMS doesn't want to hear about it," he said.

An FDNY spokesman said EMS was "looking to get some sort of resolution," including a long-term position for Mr. Capetanos out of the field.

Cites Other Accommodations

Mr. Capetanos noted that the department will issue masks to protect workers from toxins in a future terrorist attack and said it should be able to find him alternative footwear. He added that EMS makes other accommodations for workers with allergies.

"People that wear glasses are issued frames that fit inside the helmet; this way you have no problems with the masks," he said. "People that have allergies to latex gloves are issued non-latex gloves at the station."

Mr. Capetanos lamented that being on light duty he would not be able to work any overtime. He said that this month he has already worked 10 overtime shifts to augment his income. And as of now, Mr. Capetanos does not have a second job.

"It pretty much hurts me in the pockets," he said. "I would rather be on the street doing what I'm supposed to be doing, what I'm trained for."