Wednesday, May 20, 2009
** Ohio doctor raises alarm over EMTs participating in prisoner executions
** New York EMT charged with predatory sexual assault of a child
** BC medics insulted by government’s accusation that strike sick time being abused
UNITED STATES NEWS
** An Ohio surgeon is questioning whether or not EMTs should be permitted to administer drugs used in executions. That is the word from the Columbus Dispatch (Suzanne Hoholik/May 18) which quoted Columbus surgeon Dr. Jonathan Groner as saying unqualified medics could make mistakes, causing prisoners to experience potential pain and suffering. In addition, he said the practice flies in the face of the provider’s mission to save lives, not take them. Groner, who works at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital as the trauma medical director, has taken his concerns to the Ohio EMS Board. Board Executive Director Richard Rucker said the matter contains a grey area and is currently being examined by attorneys. Though North Carolina is also reviewing the issue, the majority of 35 states with the death penalty continue to use EMTs in this capacity.
** Police in Wolcott, New York have arrested an area EMT for sexually assaulting a child. Newsday (May 18) said Cato resident Nathan Schwarz, 33, has been charged with sexual assault against a child, as well as predatory assault. According to police, Schwarz gained access to the 10-year-old through a friendship with the family over the past two years. Schwarz was taken into custody after law enforcement found several explicit photos of the boy on his cell phone. Schwarz , who volunteered with EMS services in both Wolcott and Red Creek, remains in Wayne County Jail pending the posting of a $40,000 bond.
CANADA NEWS
** A spokesman for British Columbia’s ambulance union says his members are insulted the government filed a complaint with the Supreme Court over allegedly abusing strike sick time. The Canadian Press (May 17) quoted B.J. Chute as saying the Labour Relations Board has now ordered medics to stop action which it says is disrupting the ambulance service. The dictate comes mere days after BC Ambulance took umbrage with the book-offs, saying it violated essential services legislation. According to the service, last Tuesday saw a 20 per cent reduction in field ambulances because they could not be staffed. Though medics officially walked off the job April 1, most have remained at work due to the essential services agreement. Talks between the two sides continue.
