Thursday, July 17, 2008

** 300 attend funeral for Canadian military medic killed in Afghanistan

** Toronto medic injured in motorcycle accident

** Edmonton EMS uses Segways for crowded events

CANADA NEWS

** Five men and women from 1 Canadian field ambulance acted as pallbearers at the Wednesday funeral of military medic Pte. Colin Wilmot. The Canadian Press (July 16) said the funeral, which took place at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown in New Brunswick, saw around 300 people attend the Protestant chapel. As Wilmot’s coffin was escorted into the church, soldiers in dress uniform saluted while a bagpiper played. Eulogized as a dedicated soldier, Wilmot was also remembered as a thinker with a caring personality. Wilmot died July 6 in Afghanistan after an explosive device detonated during a night patrol.

** Toronto EMS medics are breathing a sigh of relief, after one of their own survived a nasty motorcycle crash in Milton. The accident, which occurred Monday afternoon on Highway 401, saw ACP Malcolm Mercer lose control of his bike on a row that was being graded. Mercer was medevaced to St. Mike’s trauma unit suffering from a hemothorax, as well as multiple fractures in his clavicle, ribs, and right arm, wrist and hand. Currently in the ICU, he is expected to remain a few more days in hospital, with a recovery time of several weeks. Well wishes for Mercer can be sent to EMS@toronto.ca. To ensure proper forwarding, please label the message in the subject line: “Best wishes to Toronto EMS Paramedic Malcolm Mercer on his speedy recovery.”

** Edmonton EMS is now using Segway vehicles for crowded events. That is the word from United Press International (July 16) which said the self-balancing vehicles, which cost about $6,000 each, will see 10 paramedics work on two units. Along with providing portability, the Segway’s extra height also allows for a greater field of vision. Employed widely by police departments across North America, the vehicles in Edmonton are unique to Canadian EMS.