Friday, August 3, 2007

** Queensland, Australia pondering crackdown on medic assaults

** New Brunswick told to upgrade air ambulance program

AUSTRALIA NEWS

** Individuals who attack paramedics could soon face stiffer penalties under the law. That is the word from the Sydney Morning Herald (August 2) which quoted Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts as saying rising violence against medics is fuelling the move. Calling a single assault on an EMS practitioner unacceptable, Roberts hinted his government was considering sentences similar to those stipulated for police officer attacks. Under that law, those convicted of biting, spitting, or tossing bodily fluids face as much as seven years in the clink.

CANADA NEWS

** New Brunswick should upgrade its air ambulance service. That is the word from a consultant’s report issued yesterday. According to the Canadian Press (CBC/August 2) the tome also suggested the establishment of a provincial trauma center, with the preferred facility being the Saint John Regional Hospital. Currently, the facility is the only provincial one to have national trauma care centre certification. Reacting to the recommendations, Health Minister Mike Murphy said a committee would examine the 54 issued and then establish an action plan.