Thursday, October 18, 2007

** Female Baltimore medic makes history

** Sick 9/11 responders to get financial aid?

UNITED STATES NEWS

** A Baltimore, Maryland paramedic has made history after being named the city’s first female battalion chief. The Baltimore Sun (Brent Jones/October 17) said Laura Shiloh, 43, who is a 20 year EMS veteran, was given the honour earlier this week. Shiloh, who will oversee EMS operations, will be responsible for 22 full time and 4 part time units, at the same time as serving on the Accident Review Board. In addition, she will deal with activities involving the department’s bike medics. Shiloh began working EMS in 1987, was appointed lieutenant in 1999 and district captain in 2003. She is the first woman serving in the fifth highest level of command in the organization’s 149 year history.

** A letter sent earlier this week to ill survivors of 9/11 has sparked word of a possible financial settlement. The New York Daily News (Thomas Zambito/Kathleen Lucadamo/October 17) said the money, if given, would apply to sick paramedics, police, and firefighters who are involved in a federal suit against the city. According to the newspaper, thousands of those taking part in the legal wrangling have been asked in writing to agree to the suit’s lawyer negotiating a settlement. The news, however, is not being confirmed by Mayor Bloomberg. Bloomberg said the city is still appealing to the federal government to assist those who responded to the Ground Zero site. Cost estimates to settle the claims could run as high as $2 billion.