Monday, February 15, 2010

** New Brunswick to get ACPs?

** Maryland air ambulance chopper damaged during snow takeoff

CANADA NEWS

** New Brunswick could soon have advanced paramedics practicing in the province. That is the word from the Daily Gleaner (Adam Bowie/February 12) which quoted Health Minister Mary Schryer as saying her government has set aside funds to pay for training. Similar planning is being undertaken with regards to upgrading the skills of both critical care nurses and ER doctors. Schryer said a study must now commence to determine how to integrate ACPs into the current EMS structure. Paramedic Association of New Brunswick executive director Chris Hood said New Brunswick is the last province to remain without ACPs. Hood said he is eager to cooperate with the new approach to ensure advanced paramedics hit the streets as soon as possible.

UNITED STATES NEWS

** Maryland’s State Police are investigating after a medevac chopper was damaged while attempting to take off Thursday. WBAL AM 1090 (February 12) said the mishap, which took place at Landover’s Prince George Hospital, occurred around 11 p.m. According to the news site, the aircraft’s tail struck a snow bank when the helicopter was a few inches off the ground. The pilot landed the chopper immediately. No one was injured in the incident. The aircraft is based at Andrews Air Force Base.