Friday, March 19, 2010

** Chicago buys $100,000 worth of EMS computers, then warehouses them for a year

** Rhode Island officials investigating after unlicenced EMT allowed to practice for 18 months

UNITED STATES NEWS

** Chicago bean counters are taking it on the chin for $100,000 worth of EMS laptop computers that have sat around for a year without being used. WBBM (March 18) said the units, which are currently being warehoused, are apparently worth about $4,500 each. According to the news site, the devices have a software compatibility issue. Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford said the city is also grappling with firewall security for the machines. While accepting the explanation, one unidentified paramedic said such problems should have been fixed 12 months ago. He said current computers have been experiencing reliability glitches.

** EMS authorities in Barrington, Rhode Island have opened an investigation into the case of an unlicensed EMT who worked unchecked for nearly a year and a half for the city’s fire department. The Associated Press (March 18) said the man, who has since resigned, finished his training but did not take appropriate certification exams. According to the news service, department officials have not criticized his competence, despite his lack of credentials. A Public Health Department official said the crux of the investigation will involve determining how the man’s improper licensure slipped through the cracks.