Tuesday, February 23, 2010

** Toronto medics hold fundraiser for injured colleague

** Kentucky paramedic in fatal ambulance crash sentenced to decade in jail;parole eligibility in four months

CANADA NEWS

** Toronto EMS medics, as well as other providers in Ontario, are taking part in a fitness fundraiser to assist paralyzed city paramedic Kevin Mills with rehabilitation expenses. YorkRegion.com (Amanda Persico/February 22) said the event, being held Saturday, will include a six hour fitness challenge, as well as a spin-a-thon. According to the newspaper, colleagues spearheading the date hope to raise over $2,500 which will cover around 2 weeks worth of therapy costs. Mills sustained a C4 injury early last year while vacationing in Cuba. Caught by two waves while swimming, he was thrust against the ocean floor before being rescued by a relative. Mills, who is now a quadriplegic, has since regained movement in his arms and torso. For more information on Mills or the fundraiser, please see http://www.visitkevinmills.org

UNITED STATES NEWS

** A former Louisville, Kentucky EMT, who was under the influence of drugs at the time of a fatal ambulance crash, could spend the next decade in jail. WAVE 3 (February 22) said Tammy Brewer, 32, was sentenced Monday. Brewer, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter and other tags, was under the influence of methadone at the time of the fatal April 2008 accident. Passenger Vicki Whobrey perished in the accident which saw the EMS unit hit both a utility pole and fence. Whobrey was initially being taken to hospital for a bloody nose. Along with the aforementioned charge, Brewer also admitted guilt in relation to assault, wanton endangerment, criminal mischief and driving under the influence of intoxicants. Despite the lengthy sentence, Brewer, however, could be out on parole in four months.