Friday, November 23, 2007

** 24 hour bars run UK medics off their feet

** Belfast paramedics man bus to treat weekend drunks

** Ferno Canada announces new pricing reflecting stronger Canadian dollar

UNITED KINGDOM NEWS

** The advent of 24 bars two years ago has left ambulance personnel scrambling. That is the word from the Evening Standard (Amy Iggulden/November 22) which said the London Ambulance Service has seen calls for binge drinkers rise 12 per cent since 2005. Other areas such as Tower Hamlets and Newham have seen a 25 per cent spike. Costing taxpayers across the country about 6.5 million pounds, the incidents are tying up ambulances with alcohol related stabbings, fights and other ailments. Some 3,000 bars have 24 licences.

NORTHERN IRELAND NEWS

** In an effort to free up ambulances needed elsewhere, Belfast will station an EMS bus in the city’s core to treat weekend drunks. The BBC (November 21) said the rig, which will sit in Shafsbury Square, will also aid the distressed and vulnerable. Known as the SOS bus, the bendy vehicle will also act as a visible crime deterrent and will sport 24 hour help lines to other organizations. Outfitted with security cameras, the unit carries standard EMS equipment, as well as having a bathroom, kitchen and entertainment centre. Daytime use will be for educational purposes.

** Mississauga, Ontario: Ferno Canada has announced 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.