Monday, September 10, 2007

** Ontario paramedic sentenced to at least 12 years behind bars

** Queensland sets record for CPR challenge

CANADA NEWS

** Simcoe, Ontario paramedic Doug Fraser, 55, has been sentenced to life in prison in the death of his wife. Sun Wire Services (September 8) said Fraser, who resides in Port Rowan, will be able to apply for parole in 2019. According to the news agency, he committed second-degree murder in April of 2005 when he killed his paraplegic wife by setting fire to her home. The two were estranged at the time.

AUSTRALIA NEWS

** Nearly 5,000 people across Queensland took part in a CPR challenge Monday, marking a record for the country. The Age (Setpember 10) said the day surpassed a previous challenge in Perth that saw some 2,308 people take part at once. Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said the undertaking, which took place during Ambulance Week, was done to promote the recognition of cardiac illness symptoms. A recent survey done by the ambulance service found most people unaware of the CPR rates for compressions to breaths.