Thursday, June 2, 2011

** Tennessee EMT recovering after being hit by lightening during storm

** German paramedic/engineer circumnavigating globe on solar powered yacht leaves trip for medical reasons

UNITED STATES NEWS

** A Lawrence County, Tennessee EMT continues to recover out of hospital after being struck by lightening last Wednesday. WKSR (May 31) said Ronald Buttrum sustained the jolt in the early morning hours while standing outside his ambulance station. Observing a storm system that was passing through the area, his zapping did not, however, seriously injure him. WSMV-TV (May 27) quoted Buttrum as saying he felt dazed and confused during the incident which saw the bolt hit the right side of his face. Buttrum’s partner also heard a popping sound as the electricity discharged. Although apparently out of the woods, Buttrum’s doctors have said reactions to lightening strikes can continue for several months.

AUSTRALIA NEWS

** A paramedic turned engineer serving on board the world’s largest solar powered boat is temporarily suspending his circumnavigation of the globe due to medical reasons. A press release put out by Planet Solar (May 16) said Raphael Domjan is heading to Switzerland in mid-June to undergo surgery for injuries incurred during a 2009 skiing accident. According to the press release, Domjan, who is the project founder, could return to the ship in several weeks following his recovery. The AAP (Darren Cartwright/May 29) said the Turanor Planet-Solar docked in Brisbane Sunday. Departing from Monaco on September 27, the ship’s entire round the world trip is expected to last about 18 months. It sets sail again today.