Tuesday, June 30, 2009

** Striking Toronto medics ordered to remain on the job for city’s gay pride parade

** Two New York EMTs arrested for arson

** UK medic duo to skydive for cancer charity

CANADA NEWS

** Despite threatening to walk off the job, Toronto paramedics were on hand Sunday to provide EMS services at the city’s gay pride parade. The Toronto Sun (Ian Robert/June 29) said medics’ stationed at the event did so at the behest of the Ontario Labour Relations Board. According to the newspaper, the board ordered 78 ambulances man the event that was expected to attract as many as 1 million people. City spokesman Kevin Sack said the appeal to the board was a no brainer after CUPE officials warned Friday paramedics would not attend. Since last Monday, some 24,000 inside and outside city workers have been on strike. Paramedics, however, have largely remained on the job due to an essential services agreement. The main issues in the dispute are wages, sick time benefits and seniority rights.

UNITED STATES NEWS

** Two Rural Metro EMTs in Buffalo, New York have been arrested for allegedly setting two fires. That is the word from WIVB (June 29) which said the pair, identified as Jonathan Safe, 20, and Lyndsey Sgro, 21, have been charged with a variety of tags, including arson and burglary. According to the news site, the duo undertook their work in May, setting both an apartment building and a vacant house alight.

UNITED KINGDOM NEWS

** A pair of Great Western Ambulance Service medics will jump out of a plane next month to raise money for a men’s cancer charity. The Swindon Advertiser (May 29) said paramedic Dave Oliver and Emergency Care Assistant Aaron Dalby will take the leap at Wanborough Field on July 18. Aiming to raise around 1,000 pounds for the cause, the two have already gathered around 600 pounds. Donations are being coordinated through the web site www.bmycharity.com/GWASskydive