Friday, November 30, 2007

** Montreal medics prepare to hit picket lines

** Ferno Canada announces new pricing reflecting stronger Canadian dollar

** Queensland EMD reprimanded for using rescue chopper at wedding

CANADA NEWS

** Urgences Sante medics in Montreal could be on the picket lines within a week. That is the word from 940 Montreal (November 29) which said contract negotiations have now ground to a halt. According to the news station, providers are hoping to resolve matters before the Christmas holidays. A vote on the potential strike is expected this weekend.

** 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.

AUSTRALIA NEWS

** A Queensland emergency medical dispatched escaped with little more than a slap on the wrist, after hiring a rescue chopper to transport her groom to her wedding. The Courier Mail (Patrick Lion/November 29) said Naomi Huntington was merely dressed down for the incident. According to the newspaper, Huntington spent $85 on the transport from Tungun, Gold Coast to Mt. Tamborine. Investigated by the Crime and Misconduct Commission, the flight also saw Huntington’s boss reprimanded. Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts, meanwhile, said the faux pas did not endanger the public at any point. Coalition EMS spokesman Ted Malone, however, equated Huntington’s punishment with being beaten by a lettuce leaf.