Monday, June 8, 2009

** UK medic grilled after lengthy criminal record revealed during background check

** No charges in Oklahoma case where trooper put choke hold on medic

UNITED KINGDOM NEWS

** A Yorkshire paramedic remains on the hot seat with his professional association, after a background check revealed he repeatedly lied to his employer about his criminal record. The Yorkshire Post (June 5) said Michael Griffiths faced grilling last week from the Health Professions Council over the ruse. According to the newspaper, Griffiths has convictions for theft, criminal damage, and assault between 1986-1991. Although his employer queried him as to brushes with the law, Griffiths denied seven times in writing that there was such a paper trail. Blaming impairment for his past, he told the council he is now clean. The hearing is expected to continue this week.

UNITED STATES NEWS

** The District Attorney’s office in Okfuskee County, Oklahoma has decided not to charge anybody in an incident between paramedics and police that left an EMS worker in a choke hold. KTUL TV (June 5) said the decision involving the May 24 dustup was made after reviewing cellphone footage taken by the son of a patient being transported.  As per the tape and eyewitness reports, the state trooper involved became enraged after the ambulance failed to yield to it as it pursued a stolen vehicle. Returning to speak with the paramedics, the trooper said one of the practitioners gave him the finger, provoking the assault that followed. DA Max Cook said while the incident was unfortunate, it would not serve anyone to proceed further. Attorney Richard O’Connell, who represents attacked medic Maurice White, said his client was disappointed with the decision.