Tuesday, February 16, 2010
** New Brunswick medics questioning new speed guidelines for emergency responses
** Queensland medics cry foul over ambulance delays, saying patient lives are being endangered
CANADA NEWS
** Paramedics in New Brunswick are questioning new guidelines introduced last week that places speed limits on emergency responses. That is the word from the Daily Gleaner (Adam Bowie/February 13) which said the rules dictate between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. posted restrictions must be adhered to. Limits of 60 km/h or less can only be exceeded by 10 km where appropriate, or by 20 if the road has four lanes. Limits above 60 can be increased by 20 km up to a 120 km/h maximum. Ambulance New Brunswick spokesman said the approach is part of a safety program. But, union spokesman Ralph McBride said while safety is paramount, such specs could negatively impact patient care. McBride said stringent guidelines hamper the medic’s ability to make judgment calls regarding the necessity in some situations for more rapid hospital transport.
AUSTRALIA NEWS
** Ipswich medics in Queensland are sounding the alarm over ambulance delays, saying diversions of a high number of seriously ill patients from a local hospital could spell disaster. The Queensland Times (February 16) quoted ambulance union organizer Kroy Day as saying underfunding and inadequate resources could very well cost lives. Day made the comment as Ipswich Hospital diverted units twice last week, forcing urgent and immediate care patients to the next facility. According to the newspaper, last week’s stats show only 53 per cent of patients with life threatening conditions were seen by hospital staff within 30 minutes. In addition to the ER crunches, Day said the problem is further magnified when EMS units are ramped outside hospitals for indeterminate periods, thereby preventing them from returning to field service. Hospital spokesman Dr. Gerry Costello acknowledged Day’s concern, saying medical staff sickness and abnormally high numbers of significantly ill patients created the problem.
