Thursday, June 4, 2009
** New contract talks set between striking BC medics and province
** Two Winnipeg medics potentially exposed to Swine Flu through patient contact
** New York EMT honoured posthumously for heroism
CANADA NEWS
** Contract talks between striking BC paramedics and the government have been set for June 11-12. That is the word from a press release put out by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (June 2) which said the meetings could bridge the divide between the two sides present since the April 1 medics’ walkout. According to the release, CUPE BC president Barry O’Neill said monetary issues continue to prove a sticking point, though other lesser matters are close to resolution. Provincial mediator Mark Atkinson will attend the discussions.
** A pair of Winnipeg paramedics are awaiting word on whether or not they have been exposed to the often deadly H1N1 or Swine Flu virus. CBC Winnipeg (June 3) said the duo, who transported Northern Manitoba air ambulance patients suspected of having the infection, were not told the respiratory scourge was a possibility. Unaware and therefore unable to take precautions, the providers have since been tested for the exposure. They are currently on regularly scheduled days off. Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service deputy chief of operations Ken Simm said the incident was caused by a communications breakdown. Twelve people, including ten children, from St. Theresa Point First Nation have been medevaced to Winnipeg for treatment in the past week. The two women are in critical condition. One of the females miscarried her child as a result of her illness.
UNITED STATES NEWS
** A murdered Brooklyn, New York EMT will be honored posthumously today at City Hall. The Daily News (Wil Cruz/June 3) said Jason Ruiz, 30, who was fatally stabbed by a former flame of his girlfriend in September, will receive the Jack Pintchik Medal for EMS. Ruiz’ commendation relates to a 2008 incident in which he and his partner rescued a woman who had fallen onto some subway tracks. Ruiz’ brother Adam said the medal is fitting, given that Jason loved helping people and doing his job.
