Thursday, July 2, 2009

** Victoria, Australia medics to enter new round of talks on work breaks

** Ohio paramedics to draw drunk driver blood samples?

AUSTRALIA NEWS

** Victorian paramedics have agreed to suspend industrial action pending the start-up of a new round of talks with the government. That is the word from Big Pond News (June 30) which quoted union spokesman Steve McGhie as saying he is hopeful the discussions will finally address medic fatigue. Practitioners began paperwork bans last month after lobbying unsuccessfully for a 10-hour break between work shifts instead of the current eight. Saying the patience of providers is running low after 14 months of negotiations, McGhie said the meetings between the two sides are a last ditch effort before an all out strike.

UNITED STATES NEWS

** Ohio paramedics could soon be able to draw blood samples at the scene of suspected drunk driving accidents. WBNS 10 TV (June 30) said that, at least, is the hope of Sen. Tim Grendell (R-Chesterland) who is pushing for passage of Senate Bill 58 mandating the practice. According to the news station, Bill 58, which is supported by Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, has already passed the Senate and is now looking for support in the House. Grendell told reporters the proposed legislation would thwart intoxicated drivers from using delay tactics to prevent evidence of their condition from being gathered. Defence lawyer Brad Koffel, however, said such a law would unnecessarily tie medics up in court. He also said scene samples are often contaminated, thereby needlessly using up valuable court time.