Monday, June 1, 2009
** Kentucky paramedic stabbed at station
** BC medics upset after fingers pointed during training exercise absence
** Mystery virus that killed a Zambia paramedic identified
UNITED STATES NEWS
** A Louisville, Kentucky paramedic remains in hospital in stable condition after being stabbed at his ambulance station Thursday. The Courier Journal (May 28) said the provider, who works for Louisville EMS, was attacked around 9 p.m. as he was about to begin his shift. According to the newspaper, the wound was to the abdomen and is not believed to be life threatening. Following the incident, police blocked off area streets in an effort to locate the assailant. No arrests have yet been made.
CANADA NEWS
** BC’s paramedic union is taking exception to Friday media reports decrying EMS’ lack of participation in a Stanley Park training exercise Thursday. CTV British Columbia (May 28) quoted union spokesman BJ Chute as saying accusing prehospital workers of compromising preparedness by their absence is unfair. Chute said his members were unaware of the exercise which included fire personnel and centred around a simulated float plane crash. A BC Ambulance spokesman, meanwhile, told CTV News providers were not included because the Labour Board has deemed training non essential. Provincial medics have been on strike since April 1, though most remain on the job due to essential services legislation.
AFRICA NEWS
** A mysterious virus that killed a Lusaka, Zambia paramedic last September has finally been identified as a new Ebola like scourge. The Associated Press (May 28) said the Lujo virus, which infected and killed four people last year, emanates from pathogens found in rodents. Noting Lujo as a particularly virulent strain, Columbia University epidemiologist Dr. Ian Lipkin said it is believed the virus spreads through infected body fluids. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director Dr. Anthony Fauci said the Lujo virus is not expected or able to spread quickly. In the example of the Lusaka paramedic, he had treated and transported a female travel agent with the illness to Johannesburg, South Africa. All the others infected were also health care workers;one nurse survived.
