Thursday, April 19, 2007

** Oklahoma in need of millions to prevent EMS system collapse

** Yorkshire, UK ambulance workers dub bosses bullies

** Washington, D.C. looks at EMS overhaul

UNITED STATES NEWS

** A report issued by Oklahoma’s governor’s office says the EMS system across the state could collapse without an immediate cash infusion. KSBI (April 18) said a government task force has recommended $20 million be immmediately pumped into prehospital services between now and 2011. Citing worker recruitment and retention as key issues, the report suggested reimbursing tuition for graduating EMS students. In addition, the paper also advised eliminating restrictions on ambulance service related property taxes.

** Washington, D.C.’s mayor has begun a review of emergency medical services in the city. The Washington Post (Elissa Silverman/April 18) said the look-see is aimed at countering issues related to management problems, inadequate medic training, and poor work ethic. Instituted as part of a lawsuit settlement with the family of New York Times reporter David Rosenbaum, the task force includes 13 members. Rosenbaum died of a mugging related brain injury in January of 2006. Subsequent investigation of the EMS response found medics failed to properly diagnose Roenbaum’s problem, treating him instead as a drunk.

UNITED KINGDOM NEWS

** Yorkshire ambulance workers have apparently appealed to the Prime Minister in an effort to deal with the bullying of EMS bosses. The Huddersfield Examiner (April 18) said medics have penned a letter to Tony Blair complaining management has fouled up morale through changes to training, meal breaks, and pay. Medics say the moves are also negatively impacting patient care. Operations Director Jon Darley disagreed with the criticism. Darley said all changes are regularly reviewed to minimize negative effects on staff and patients.