Thursday, August 13, 2009

** Winnipeg medic lobbies for on-the-job body armour

** Advanced medics in Victoria, Australia granted 10 hour breaks between shifts

CANADA NEWS

** Lobbying for on-the-job body armour continues to be a primary pursuit for one Winnipeg paramedic, who warns deadly consequences for EMS workers could arise without the jackets. The Winnipeg Free Press (Mike McIntyre/August 12) quoted Bryan Leach as saying working in the city’s core where gangs and guns are standard make the vests an absolute must. Leach said he has now purchased his own body armour to protect himself at a cost of some $1,200. Provided for practitioners in provinces like Saskatchewan and Alberta, the vests continue to be a controversial subject with Winnipeg responders. A 2004 survey found only 50 per cent in favour of the equipment. Leach, who said he will continue to push for the city to finance the jackets, said support for the gear has definitely increased in the last five years.

AUSTRALIA NEWS

** After submitting mass resignations in front of the state premier’s office, advanced care paramedics in Victoria have now won 10-hour breaks between shifts. That is the word from the Monash Journal (Erin Bull/August 12) which said the concession came Tuesday during conciliation talks ordered by Fair Work Australia. According to the newspaper, union spokesman Steve McGhie said practitioners are both delighted and relieved by events. A failure to resolve the matter would have resulted in it being passed over to compulsory arbitration, a process which could have taken nine months. McGie also indicated some pay increases were also granted. Further information on the deal will be released shortly. A vote on the new contract will likely be held before September’s end.