Wednesday, May 30, 2007

** Peterborough, Ontario gets new EMS head

** Melbourne, Australia ambo to stand trial for rape

** New Zealand medics deemed among most trustworthy

CANADA NEWS

** Peterborough, Ontario has appointed Bob English as the new director for EMS in the city and county. The Peterborough Examiner (May 28) said English, was has been acting as interim director, began his career in the area in 2006 as operations manager. English takes over for John Byard. Byard stepped down in January.

AUSTRALIA NEWS

** Melbourne ambulance officer Simon Paul Howe will stand trial for raping a patient. That is the word from ABC (May 29) which said Howe, who lives in Werribee, allegedly digitally assaulted a drug addict as she lay on his stretcher. The woman, 21, said the the November 2006 incident occurred as she was being transported to hospital. Howe, however, contends his contact with the patient occurred when he attempted to impede her from masturbating. He has pleaded not guilty. A trial date has not yet been set.

NEW ZEALAND NEWS

** Ambulance officers have once again ranked in the top three of the most trusted professions. A press release put out by St. John Ambulance (May 29) said the result, compiled by the annual Reader’s Digest Trust Survey, saw medics place second. In 2004, ambos were selected as the most trusted professional. St. John Chief Executive Jaimes Wood said the ranking indicates the respect and esteem in which prehospital workers are held. Wood also said it is a tribute to their hard work and dedication.