Friday, August 12, 2011

** Quebec medics swim for safety after ambulance floods underpass

** California officials name boat after LODD paramedic

CANADA NEWS

** A pair of Montreal paramedics in Quebec got a surprise Tuesday, when rapidly rising waters beneath a city underpass forced them to swim for safety. The Montreal Gazette (August 11) said the practitioners, who were responding to an emergency call at the time, found themselves inundated while in the Carterville district. According to the newspaper, while the pair noticed water accumulation under the bridge, they thought little of it until their engine stalled and the water reached the unit’s windows. Floating in the manhole and storm drain water, the ambulance was later towed out. EMS equipment was damaged in the deluge, but no one was hurt.

UNITED STATES NEWS

** Officials in Oceano Dunes, California have said they will name a patrol boat after a paramedic killed while on duty two years ago. That is the word from the San Luis Obispo Tribune (Bob Cuddy/August 11) which said the craft will be called the Christopher C. Meadows. Meadows, 24, died May 24, 2009 when his ATV rolled over on him as he responded to a call for a broken leg. Employed with the San Luis Ambulance service, Meadows also volunteered with the local search and rescue team.