Monday, March 8, 2010

** UK diabetics turning away from identification jewelry to tatoos

** UK medic gets jail time for failing to aid dying patient

UNITED KINGDOM NEWS

** Paramedics accustomed to looking for labeled jewelry to identify diabetics should now also look at the patient’s skin for tattoos. That is the word from EmaxHealth (Armen Hareyan/March 5) which said the trend to more permanent marking is spreading the world over. According to the news service, the tattoos sport the caduceus symbol as well as either T1 or T2. Growing in popularity among those who either can’t or won’t wear jewelry, the tattoos are also preferred by some who are prone to losing things or have had bracelets stolen. The marks are usually located on visible spots on arms, necks, and legs. Along with diabetics, other patients with allergies or special medical conditions have also gotten alert labels placed on their skin.

** A Portslade paramedic will be cooling his heels in jail for the next 12 months after being convicted of failing to render aid to a 30 stone man. IntheNews.co.uk (Alex Steger/March 5) said Karl Harris will likely serve at least six months in relation to the death of East Sussex resident Barry Baker. According to the news site, Harris and his partner arrived at Baker’s apartment on November 29, 2008 after the man complained of having trouble breathing. Harris allegedly told his colleague, who had fewer years in EMS, that there was no point in attempting to resuscitate Baker. At trial, Harris said the enormous clutter in Baker’s home, as well as the man’s bulk, prevented him from treating the patient.