Wednesday, July 13, 2011

** Afghan paramedic working for demining team murdered by Taliban

** Judge recommends Winnipeg paramedics man homeless shelter 24/7

AFGHANISTAN NEWS

** A paramedic working with a mine clearing team in Farah province has been killed by Taliban rebels. That is the word from CNN International (July 11) which said the unidentified practitioner was slain alongside three co-workers. According to the news site, 31 people working for the Demining Agency for Afghanistan were taken hostage last Wednesday. The 27 surviving captives were released and warned to cease working for any domestic or foreign organization.

CANADA NEWS

** Paramedics could soon be manning Winnipeg’s homeless shelter 24 hours a day. The Winnipeg Free Press (CP/July 11) said that, at least, is the recommendation of Provincial Court Judge Patti-Anne Umpherville. Umpherville made her comments upon the release of an inquest report into the March 2007 death of Cheryl Tom, 35. Tom died from a drug overdose after being placed unattended in the facility’s drunk tank. Although declining to say Tom’s death might have been prevented had paramedics been present, Umpherville did say others have also died during overnight hours when paramedics are not working.