Monday, May 25, 2009
** BC tightens rules to force motorists to yield to emergency vehicles
** Oklahoma makes physically attacking paramedics a felony
CANADA NEWS
** June 1st has been set as the date British Columbia motorists could be fined for failing to slow down or pull over for emergency vehicles. That is the word from The Vancouver Sun (May 22) which said changes to the Motor Vehicle Act will dictate drivers travelling over 80 kph will have to reduce speed by 10 kph in the presence of lit up ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars. Likewise cars travelling below 80 kph will be forced to slow to 40 kph. In situations where another lane is available, vehicles must move over. According to the newspaper, 21 emergency workers lost their lives on BC roads between 2001-07;12 of that number succumbed to roadside accidents.
UNITED STATES NEWS
** Oklahoma EMS workers are gaining more protection under the law, now that the Governor has made paramedic assaults a felony. KOCO News (May 22) said a new statute, brought forward by Edmond Rep. Marian Cooksey, carries with it a minimum of two years in prison for those who attack providers during the performance of their medical duties. The legislation comes nearly 10 years after a study found Oklahoma medics of 12 years standing were assaulted on average nine times each year. In 2008, stats maintained by www.medicinstitute.org said 14 recorded attacks caused serious injury.
