Tuesday, June 9, 2009

** Ontario paramedics not allowed to retire with full benefits at age 60?

** Fake Colorado paramedic also a paramedic instructor

** Friends and family gather to mourn Texas air ambulance crash victims

CANADA NEWS

** Ontario medics seeking to take early retirement with full benefits may not be able to do so after all. That is the word from the Canadian Newswire (June 8) which said a setback occurred Friday when the OMERS voted against allowing paramedics to retire as part of the NRA 60 initiative. The decision comes just two years after EMS workers were declared part of a Public Safety Occupation. Ontario Association spokesman Glen Gillies said although disappointed, members would continue to fight for the right to cease at age 60.

UNITED STATES NEWS

** Texas EMS workers came together in Bryan, Texas Monday to remember the air ambulance crew killed Sunday in a crash. KBTX (June 9) said a grief debriefing was held at the Coulter Airfield where the crew of Air Med 12 was based. The Bell 407, which went down shortly after takeoff from Huntsville, killed four people including flight paramedic Stephanie Waters. Flight nurse Jana Bishop and pilot Wayne Kirby were also killed. Crash investigators arrived on scene Monday. Pending the completion of the investigation, the Bryan air ambulance operation has been suspended.

** Egg just keeps accumulating on the face of Denver’s American Medical Response over a fake paramedic who worked with the service for over a year. 9NEWS (June 7) is now reporting that Todd Teel, who continued his ruse for some 17 months, was also a trainer with the service. Teel, who was a certified EMT for three years between 2004-2007, was apparently known for having a shaking knowledge of paramedic practice. Co-workers also told the news service Teel had attempted to use his forged paperwork to toil at EMS in both Colorado and Wyoming.