Thursday, September 13, 2007

** Kentucky inmate objects to EMT presence at execution

** California EMT with arrest record could get the boot

UNITED STATES NEWS

** A Kentucky inmate set for execution is attempting to delay taking the lethal injection by claiming an EMT can not legally insert an IV line. The Associated Press (Brett Barrouquere/September 12) said Ralph S. Baze says a doctor must be present when the IV is connected. Baze has already received one stay. Set to be executed September 25, his case is being re-examined by the state Supreme Court. According to the newspaper, judges want to determine whether or not his initial trial was fairly moved. The matter will be heard November 15 in Frankfort. Baze’s conviction relates to the 1992 shooting deaths of two Powell County police officers.

** A Fairfield, California EMT’s days as an EMS provider may finally be numbered, now that a San Francisco fire chief has taken exception to his run-ins with the law. The Sacramento Bee (Andrew McIntosh/September 12) said Chief Joanne Hayes-White has recommended the firing of Timothy Lee Gutierrez, 39. Gutierrez, who at one point was deemed a very serious risk to the community by a prosecutor, has an arrest record including suspicion of child sexual abuse, indecent exposure, spouse battering and vandalism. All apprehensions took place while he was off duty. Along with citing his record, Hayes-White also pointed to the stripping of his EMT credentials by Solano County as ammunition for his termination. Likewise, several work absences in June and July were deemed inappropriate. On Tuesday, meanwhile, state senators voted to support a bill which would make criminal background checks for EMTs mandatory.