Monday, December 20, 2010

** Nova Scotia EMS clot buster pilot program deemed success

** Winnipeg medic injured in serious multi-vehicle collision

CANADA NEWS

** Ambulance brass in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia are touting a new clot busters pilot program that has seen heart attack survival rates rise. The Toronto Sun (QMI Agency/Sheena Goodyear/December 17) said only 11 per cent of heart attacks have proven fatal this year, down by some four per cent from the previous 12 months. Quoting Cape Breton District Health Authority CEO John Malcolm, the newspaper said medics using tenecteplase (TNK) en route to hospital, rather than having patients wait until ER arrival, buys patients vital time needed to save their lives. In addition, Malcolm said educating the public to call 911 at the first onset of symptoms has also helped. Due to the pilot’s success in the region, Malcolm said the approach will be rolled out across the province by summer.

** A Winnipeg paramedic in Manitoba continues to recover in hospital after a serious Wednesday night multi-vehicle crash that saw him break several bones. Global Winnipeg (December 17) said the collision, which took place around 9 p.m. as the ambulance was lit up and rushing a critical elderly patient to hospital, played out with the unit being hit by a car before striking another vehicle. Fire Paramedic Service spokesman Supt. Stan Stone said the injured medic remains shocked by the accident;he will likely be off work for some time. During 2009, 28 ambulance/other vehicle crashes were recorded. Police are investigating.