Monday, September 24, 2007

** US EMT killed in crash

** Joburg, South Africa contends with ambulance crisis

UNITED STATES NEWS

** Rhode Island paramedics are mourning the loss of one of their own after a Charlestown EMT died Saturday in a Connecticut car crash. Turnto10 (September 24) said Kristen Duhamel, 19, was killed in the early morning hours while riding in an SUV. According to the news station, the vehicle hit a guardrail after the driver lost control. Duhamel, who was thrown from the car, died at hospital.

SOUTH AFRICA NEWS

** Ambulance pundits in Joburg are crying foul over inadequate ambulance resources. The Pretoria News (September 24) said the city is currently coping with less than half the number of units it requires. Joburg EMS head Dr. Audrey Gule said of the 110 rigs needed, only 50 are currently running. Fire trucks are being used to fill the gaps, despite a lack of proper medical equipment. Gauteng Health Department statistics indicate response times see medics respond to only 22 per cent of life threatening calls within 15 minutes.