Wednesday, August 12, 2009
** Israeli medics don head-to-toe protective gear with suspected Swine Flu patients
** South Australian ambulance stations deep cleaned to eliminate allergic reaction causing contaminant
** UK medics pushed to breaking point by Swine Flu help hails
ISRAEL NEWS
** Magen David Adom medics (MDA) across the country are now donning head-to-toe protective gear when it comes to treating potential Swine Flu patients. That is the word from Israel National News (August 11) which said practitioners will take such precautions when dealing with highly febrile patients requiring hospital care. The news site also said providers will transport patients with hermetically sealed stretchers. Along with preventing EMS workers from becoming infected with the scourge, the approach is also designed to quell fear and panic among ordinary citizens.
AUSTRALIA NEWS
** South Australian EMS stations will be given a deep cleaning to eliminate an unknown contaminant that caused severe allergic reactions in medics. ABC News (August 11) said the irritant, which is believed to have been carried by the dye in new uniforms, apparently transferred to other items like furniture and draperies. Although the uniforms themselves were recalled in 2007, problems have still persisted. Ambulance service spokesman Ray Creen said he is hopeful a cleaning process trialed in Port Augusta and Whyalla will alleviate matters. Along with sanitizing vehicles and furniture, the approach will be used on cupboards, drawers, stationery, training equipment, air conditioning filters, and lockers.
UNITED KINGDOM NEWS
** Real or potential Swine Flu help hails are apparently pushing West Midlands medics to the breaking point, with only half of life threatening calls being reached within the 8 minute target. That, at least, is the contention being offered by the Birmingham Mail (August 11) which quoted chief executive Anthony Marsh as saying an unprecedented jump in calls in July has EMS bosses reeling. According to the newspaper, Marsh said dispatchers noted some 71,571 calls during the month, compared to 59,595 in July of 2008. Along with health trusts coughing up more cash to address the problem, Marsh said increased funding would also aid overworked medics.
