Friday, January 25, 2008

** Funeral services set for Kentucky EMS director

** Victorian ambulance union in Australia fears recruiting new medics could take too long

UNITED STATES NEWS

** Funeral services for Paintsville, Kentucky EMS Director Christa Burchett have been set for Sunday at 1 p.m. WKYT (January 24) said the commemoration will be held at Louisa’s Lawrence County Middle School. Visitation will occur Saturday from 4-10. Burchett, who leaves a fourteeen-year-old daughter, Olivia, behind, died Tuesday after being hit by a coal truck at an MVA scene. She was 33.

AUSTRALIA NEWS

** Victoria’s ambulance union is worried a promised recruitment of 100 new paramedics could take up to a year and a half to implement. The Geelong Advertiser (Julie McNamara/January 25) quoted Ambulance Employees Association of Australia General Secretary Steve McGhie as saying, if true, the time frame could push staff to the breaking point. McGhie said the service already has 30 ongoing vacancies. Rural Ambulance Victoria CEO Jon Holloway, however, said the 100 would be in addition to regular recruitment complements. Holloway said, if necessary, job ads would be placed internationally. However, he stressed the effort would stay within existing budget allowances.