Friday, August 31, 2007

** Maine paramedic wheelchair bound for a year after fatal crash

** Peel Region, Ontario medics head to binding arbitration

UNITED STATES NEWS

** The driver of an ambulance involved in a fatal crash last month will likely remain in a wheelchair for upwards of a year. That is the word from the Morning Sentinel (August 30) which said Bethel, Maine resident Arlene Greenleaf, 68, could also be bedridden. Greenleaf was the sole surviving crew member from an accident that occurred July 5. Partner Allan Parsons, 46, died at the scene. According to police, the mishap took place when the intoxicated driver of a car pulled in front of the lit up ambulance at an intersection around 3 a.m. Parsons was in the back with the patient at the time.

CANADA NEWS

** Peel Region, Ontario paramedics are apparently heading to binding arbitration, now that contract talks with the employer have irretrievably broken down. According to a press release put out by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), discussions have stalemated over wages. Practitioners in Caledon, Brampton and Mississauga are seeking parity with providers in areas such as Durham and Toronto who earn some 17 per cent more. Union spokesman Michael Donnelly said members are just striving for a fair deal. Workers have been without a contract since April.