Friday, April 9, 2010

** Ground Zero rescue and recovery workers likely to suffer impaired lung function for life

** South African EMS official under investigation for demanding sex from female employees in exchange for career advancement

UNITED STATES NEWS

** Ground zero rescue paramedics, as well as other emergency workers, will likely suffer breathing and other problems for the remainder of their lives. That is the word from the New York Daily News (Helen Kennedy/April 7) which quoted a report saying sufferers of World Trade Center Cough have seen little or no improvement in lung function in the years since the terrorist attack. According to the research, rescuers began experiencing difficulties about six months post event. Initially, doctors believed after effects from breathing in the dust and debris from Ground Zero was likely temporary, as is the case with smoke inhalation. However, to date some 22 % of EMS responders and 13 % of fire fighters working the site continue to experience impaired lung function. Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-Queens), who is sponsoring a $10 billion health care bill for those impacted by working the twin towers aftermath, said the study sadly confirms the deadly nature of the rescue and recovery work done seven years ago.

SOUTH AFRICA NEWS

** EMS officials in Limpopo are investigating one of their own, after a female volunteer paramedic complained her boss made sex with him a precursor to a full time job. The Sowetan (Frank Maponya/April 8) said the woman, who has signed an affidavit, was apparently raped by the official who then told the practitioner not to tell anyone about the incident. A second female provider has lent credence to the claim, saying she too was given the ultimatum, but refused. A spokesman for the health and social department, meanwhile, declined to confirm details of the incidents, but did say the complaint was under investigation.