Monday, July 20, 2009

** New Brunswick EMS grads preparing to help ease ambulance staffing shortage

** Newfoundland medics face termination over YouTube video

CANADA NEWS

** New Brunswick is apparently one step closer to easing some of its EMS staffing woes, now that 59 paramedic students have successfully passed their provincial certification exams. That is the word from the Daily Gleaner (Adam Bowie/July 17) which said the group took their tests last week. Twelve other students are expected to write the same exam August 12. Of those completing the examinations, 85 per cent sailed through on their first attempt. Paramedic Association of New Brunswick president Chris Hood said he is encouraged by the stat, given that only 57 per cent of students last year made it through at first without failing.

** Two Newfoundland EMS workers could face termination, after a video of an unconscious ambulance patient made its way to YouTube. The CBC (July 17) said the film, shot by an accompanying doctor, was apparently originally intended for teaching purposes. According to Eastern Regional Health Authority CEO Vicki Kaminski, YouTube was being used to transmit the film from one locale to another;inadvertently it was not removed. Kaminski said her organization has apologized to the patient and his family. The two medics, meanwhile, will face discipline, though it remains unclear what that will be. The doctor, however, who is not employed by Eastern Health, may suffer only the revocation of hospital privileges.