Thursday, September 6, 2007

** Parliamentary inquiry launched into New Zealand EMS

** Queensland, Australia premier warns medics not to appear in political ads

NEW ZEALAND NEWS

** Single man ambulance crews will be one of the subjects examined by a parliamentary inquiry announced yesterday. That is the word from Radio New Zealand (September 5) which said the look-see will be overseen by the body’s Health Committee. Examining the effectiveness of EMS in the country, the scrutiny will also investigate response times and the way prehospital services are run. Submissions are being solicited from St. John’s Ambulance, ambulance unions, district health boards, and the the Ministry of Health.

AUSTRALIA NEWS

** Queensland Premier Peter Beattie has apparently warned ambulance workers against appearing in political campaign ads. Yahoo Xtra (September 5) said Beattie took the action after being informed that EMS practitioners are in Labour television promos running in the Bundaberg and Wide Bay region. Taking exception to the providers appearing in uniform during the spots, Beattie said the taxpayer supported public servants were stepping out of line. Declining to recommend their sacking, he did advise area EMS brass to stop the practice.