Thursday, August 23, 2007

** South Australian ambulance brass apologize for uniform fracas

** Prince Albert, Saskatchewan honours EMS workers

AUSTRALIA NEWS

** Ambulance brass in South Australia are apparently eating a bit of crow over the handling of the flap involving allergic reactions to uniforms. That is the word from The Advertiser (Kim Wheatley/August 20) which said a spokesman for the service has now acknowledged that downplaying the issue was the wrong tact to take. Chief executive Chris Lemmer admitted the gaffe in a memo to employees, at the same time as apologizing for the service’s lack of sensitivity on the matter. As many as 45 ambulance officers have complained that the uniforms were causing mild rashes and at least one anaphylactic reaction. Management, however, shot back that only six people were possibly impacted. The uniforms, issued in July 2006, have since been recalled. Researchers are also looking into the matter to determine what exactly prompted the allergies.

** Prince Albert, Saskatchewan’s paramedics are being honoured by the local church community. EMS workers, along with both police and fire, are being lauded at a special church service set for September 16 at 11 a.m. Hosted by St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, the worship service is open to any emergency services workers wanting to attend. The church is located at 60 12th Street East.