Thursday, February 17, 2011

** South African medic killed in collision with stationary trailer

** Australian medic injured after tree falls on moving ambulance

SOUTH AFRICA NEWS

** The driver of an Eastern Cape ambulance died Tuesday alongside three other people after the unit he was in hit a stationary trailer. The Dispatch (SAPA/February 16) said the medic, who has not yet been identified, was driving two pregnant patients between Mthatha and Bizana when he smashed into the trailer which had been left in the middle of the road. According to police, the trailer had no reflective decals or lights to indicate its presence. Along with the EMS provider, a nurse, an assistant, and a patient were also killed in the collision. According to the newspaper, the trailer’s owner remains at large, but is expected to be charged with negligence and culpable homicide once apprehended.

AUSTRALIA NEWS

** A Northern Territory paramedic got a scare Tuesday when a falling tree smashed through his ambulance’s windshield while the unit was in transit with a patient to hospital. The Herald Sun (Nadja Hainke/February 16) said the 9:30 p.m. incident played out on the ground of Private Hospital. Immediately transported to Royal Darwin Hospital himself, the practitioner suffered serious cuts and bruises. Released from the facility shortly afterwards, he was taken off duty to recuperate. The patient, meanwhile, was uninjured in the mishap