Wednesday, June 10, 2009

** Tasmanian ambulance officer inadvertently infects patient with Swine Flu

** BC paramedics picket premier’s swearing in ceremony

AUSTRALIA NEWS

** A Tasmanian ambulance patient has apparently contracted Swine Flu from a medic who treated him. That is the word from The Examiner (Daniel Blewett/June 10) which said the case brings the number of infected in the state to ten. According to the newspaper, the transmission of the virus took place before the paramedic himself was suspected of being ill. Currently seven North-West ambulance officers remain in quarantine with possible Swine Flu. The number is down from 13 last week.

CANADA NEWS

** In an effort to draw attention to their ongoing labour strike, British Columbia paramedics staged a noisy demonstration outside the swearing in ceremony for returning premier Gordon Campbell Monday. According to a press release issued by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (June 8) some 200 practitioners picketed outside the Victoria locale. Ambulance Paramedics of BC president John Strohmaier said providers are currently strategizing on how to bring the strike to an end. Along with scheduled talks with the government on Thursday and Friday, medics are also seeking the appointment of an independent mediator. In the meantime, however, CUPE 873’s executive is planning to tour the province to discuss settlement issues with members.