Thursday, February 3, 2011
** North Carolina police searching for paramedic who disappeared January 20
** ACT, Australia ambulance bosses under investigation by state for alleged bullying conduct
UNITED STATESÂ NEWS
** North Carolina police in Pitt County are continuing to scour the area for a paramedic who went missing January 20. The Daily Reflector (Jennifer Swartz/February 2) said Clayton Womble, 28, was last seen at a Beaufort County Wal-Mart store. According to the newspaper, Womble’s wife alerted police when he did not return from his shopping expedition. Although authorities say they do not believe foul play is involved, a public request for information has been issued. Womble was driving a gold 2008 Mazda Tribute at the time he disappeared;the licence plate number is VRB2955. Anyone with information is being asked to contact the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office at 252-902-2800. Pitt works for Eastern Pines Fire-Rescue.
AUSTRALIA NEWS
** Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Emergency Services Minister Simon Corbell has ordered an inquiry into the conduct of state ambulance service brass. That is the word from the Canberra Times (Nino Bucci/February 2) which said the look-see was prompted by several complaints made by an unnamed paramedic. The provider said he was bullied on the job, as well as being harassed at home via email and intimidated in meetings with managers. According to the newspaper, the paramedic’s alleged plight began last March after his bosses declined to give approval to secondary employment sought with a private EMS provider. After a contentious meeting on the issue on December 6, the medic’s legal counsel then got involved with threats to sue over restraint of trade. Former deputy director of prosecutions Michael Chilcott has been appointed to scrutinize the matter. A Department of Justice and Community Safety spokesman said although Chilcott will focus on the paramedic’s complaint, other senior EMS staff conduct issues will also be investigated.
