Friday, August 14, 2009
** Kentucky EMT indicted for murder in ambulance accident
** Massachusetts medics recruited to give flu shots
** Toronto EMS union official suspended for strike hijinks
UNITED STATES NEWS
** A Louisville, Kentucky EMT is now facing murder charges, after an April 2008 ambulance accident in which she was allegedly driving drunk. WLKY (Andy Alcock/August 13) said Tammy Brewer, 36, has been indicted on seven criminal charges. Along with murder, she will also face the law regarding driving a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants. According to the news station, Brewer initially indicated the accident happened after she swerved to avoid a pedestrian. However, both her own partner and the driver behind the EMS unit have said her personal and driving behaviour was erratic. Brass overseeing Brewer also indicated they intended to ground her after being alerted to the situation by Brewer’s partner. Shortly after, the ambulance crashed, killing Vicki Whobrey, 54. Brewer also faces a wrongful death civil lawsuit from Whobrey’s family.
** Massachusetts paramedics will be recruited this fall to help administer flu shots. The Boston Globe (Stephen Smith/August 13) said EMS providers, as well as dentists and pharmacists will assist in giving the inoculations to up to 4.5 million people. According to the newspaper, the recruitment of other medical professionals is because of the expected impact of Swine Flu. Retired health care workers might also be enlisted to help. Department of Public Health disease tracker Dr. Alfred DeMaria said the state’s protection plan will require a virtual army to ensure everyone gets the two shots required for H1N1. Swine Flu vaccine should start arriving in October. In cities such as Boston, shots will be offered during the daytime and evening hours, as well as on weekends.
CANADA NEWS
** A Toronto EMS medic, facing criminal charges for stealing an ambulance June 22 during the prehospital strike, has now been suspended for 30 days. That is the word from AM640 (August 13) which said Glenn Fontaine will not be paid during the term. Fontaine, who is the Ambulance Unit Chairman with his Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) local, took the vehicle during the nighttime hours. He then abandoned the lit up rig in front of City Hall. In commenting on the latest development, The Toronto Star (Jesse McLean/August 13) quoted Toronto EMS spokesman Peter McIntyre as saying further grief could be forthcoming for Fontaine. If convicted on the theft charges, McIntyre said Fontaine would likely be terminated from his job.
