Thursday, November 22, 2007

** BC medics pushed near breaking point

** Michigan paramedic shoots robbery suspect

** Ferno Canada announces new pricing reflecting stronger Canadian dollar

CANADA NEWS

** Overwork and inadequate EMS resources are apparently taking a toll on BC paramedics. That is the word from News 1130 (Katherine Kitts/November 21) which quoted Ambulance Paramedics of BC spokesman BJ Chute as saying poor wages are also a concern. Chute made his comments after news broke Tuesday of troubles with Montreal medics. The union representing practitioners there claims job related stress spurred at least five providers to kill themselves. Noting that over taxed ambulance workers often go on disability, Chute also said he is worried the upcoming holiday season could push troubled paramedics to the breaking point.

UNITED STATES NEWS

**  A Genesee County, Michigan paramedic is being credited with stopping an armed robbery suspect from fleeing after he shot the man. The Associated Press (November 22) said the unidentified practitioner, who works for the local sheriff, fired when the individual declined to drop his weapon. According to the news service, the incident played out Monday in Grand Blanc Township. After the suspect, 28, allegedly robbed a gas station, he then led police on a high speed chase. Sheriff Robert J. Pickell said the paramedic in question then treated the wounded man who remains in critical condition in hospital.

** Mississauga, Ontario: Ferno Canada announced today that it is issuing a new price list to reflect the strength of the Canadian dollar versus the declining U.S. greenback. Since much of the broad line of patient handling and immobilization equipment that Ferno Canada distributes is manufactured by it’s parent Company, Ferno Washington, Inc in the United States, import prices have been greatly reduced due to the currency situation. ” We recognize that Emergency Services budgets are stretched far to thin at the best of times so anything we can do to pass on savings to these organizations in Canada will help to ensure that they are able to equip themselves with the newest models of products available on the market” says Bruce Whitaker, Managing Director of Ferno Canada. Ferno is a global leader in the provision of solutions to the Emergency Services, Emergency Preparedness and Mass Casualty industry sectors.