Tuesday, November 27, 2007

** Manitoba medics collect cards for the troops

** UK man sentenced for attacking female medic

** Ferno Canada announces new pricing reflecting stronger Canadian dollar

CANADA NEWS

** Manitoba paramedics, as well as fire personnel, have started a campaign to collect letters and cards for Canadian troops serving overseas. The Winnipeg Sun (Shannon Vanraes/November 22) said the idea, aimed at easing holiday blues suffered by some soldiers, is also open to members of the public who want to contribute. Fire Paramedic Service Chief Jim Brennan has a son serving in Afghanistan. Brennan said he hoped the initiative would boost morale.

UNITED KINGDOM NEWS

** A Barrow man has been sentenced to 200 hours of community service for attacking a female paramedic. That is the word from the Northwest Evening Mail (November 26) which said Michael Andrew Wiper, 41, was given the tag for an October 20 incident at the Abbey House Hotel. According to the newspaper, an intoxicated Wiper became incensed when a the EMS provider decided to transport his drunk wife to hospital during a company party. After entering the back of the unit, Wiper swore at the medic, hit her on the arm and forced her face towards his vomitting wife. He was removed by another EMS worker a short time later. Along with community service, Wiper was tasked with paying 200 pounds compensation and 60 pounds costs.

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** 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.