By Dionne Meehan
THE family of a woman injured in a house fire in Falcarragh has criticised the National Ambulance Service for refusing to come to her aid hours before Storm Éowyn hit.
Tragedy struck for Kathleen Barrett last Thursday night when a fire tore through her home destroying everything in its path.
Despite the fire brigade arriving at the scene within five minutes, the 71-year-old’s home has been left uninhabitable.
Seeking refuge from the fire in her neighbour’s house as fire personnel extinguished the blaze, it quickly became clear that Ms Barrett required medical attention.
However, when the family requested an ambulance, they were told to bring the casualty to the hospital themselves, as the NAS refused to dispatch due to the impending red weather warning.
Ms Barrett spent a number of days in ICU before being discharged from Letterkenny University Hospital on Monday.
Speaking to the Donegal News following the ordeal, Ms Barrett’s brother-in-law, Kevin Barrett said he wants answers as to why an ambulance wasn’t dispatched.
“My two daughters took Kathleen to the hospital,” Mr Barrett said.
“What would have happened if my sister-in-law collapsed on them or stopped breathing?
“I need answers.”
Meanwhile, a fundraiser has been launched to help Ms Barrett get back on her feet.
“What wasn’t burned in the fire is completely destroyed by smoke, even down to her false teeth and glasses,” Mr Barrett continued.
“When we get some accommodation for Kathleen, she will need everything. My wife and sister had to go out and buy her clothes. She basically only had the pyjamas her neighbour gave her the night of the fire.”
Fundraiser organiser, Maeve Barrett said: “Kathleen would and has done anything for anyone.
“It is just so sad, after losing her husband to cancer, to be left with no home.
“We are reaching out to the public for any small donation that will help get her back on her feet and hopefully into her own little corner in the near future.”
Donegal County Council have arranged temporary accommodation for Ms Barrett in Óstan Loch Altan in Gortahork.
If you wish to make a donation to this fundraiser, you can do so via https://gofund.me/bbd125fd
An advisor with the National Ambulance Service has acknowledged the family’s complaint and is currently reviewing the call.
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