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Baltimore firefighter remains critical after medical emergency on ladder

A firefighter battling the Saratoga Street fire suffered a medical emergency while on an aerial ladder

BALTIMORE — A Baltimore firefighter remains in critical condition after suffering a medical emergency while battling a fire on Saratoga Street on May 12, WMAR reported.

Fire Chief James Wallace said the firefighter experienced the emergency while on an aerial ladder.

“As a result of that medical emergency, he fell backwards, down the ladder,” Fire Chief James Wallace said. “Our crews did just an absolutely remarkable job, removing this member from the ladder and getting him over to Shock Trauma.”

Wallace identified the firefighter as 44-year-old Lieutenant Mark Dranbauer, a 23-year department veteran, who remains in critical and guarded condition.

Dranbauer comes from “an emergency services family,” the chief said, asking the public to keep him and his loved ones in their thoughts and prayers.

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.