Wednesday, May 23, 2007

** Welsh police find body of missing paramedic

** Fatigue blamed for Queensland ambulance accident

** Melbourne medic discrimination case postponed

WALES NEWS

** Pontypool, Wales police have positively identified a body found May 15 as that of missing paramedic Phillip Tottle. The BBC (May 16) said Tottle, 40, who disappeared while visiting his parents May 10, was discovered after extensive searches by both the authorities and volunteers. Police say foul play is not involved. Tottle leaves behind a wife and two children.

AUSTRALIA NEWS

** Excessive fatigue is being blamed for a May 16 smash-up between two Queenlsand ambulances. That is the word from the Sunday Mail (Daryl Giles/May 20) which said the 2 a.m. incident saw the units meet at the front and back. The practitioners had gone 20 hours without sleep at the time. An Emergency Medical Service Protection Assoication spokesman said the accident is not surprising. Prebs Sathiaseelan said overworking is common, often resulting from management blackmailing employees to stay on duty for emergencies.

** An unfair dismissal hearing for a Melbourne Ambulance Service manager has been adjourned until July 18. News.com.au (May 22) said the case involving Gregory Dempsey, 48, is focussing on Dempsey’s contention that he was bullied and discriminated against because he was suffering from depression. Dempsey had been on sick leave since December 22. He was fired May 9. An MAS spokesman said Dempsey acted unfairly when he declined to inform the service a November diagnosis of bone cancer was in error. Martin Smith also said Dempsey did not properly disclose other vital information about his health.