Monday, September 26, 2011

** Ohio passes law permitting single man ambulance crews for emergency responses

** Beaten California paramedic speaks for first time since March assault

UNITED STATES NEWS

** In an effort to improve response times, the Ohio state government has passed a law permitting single ambulance crews to respond to emergencies. That is the word from the Associated Press (September 22) which said the statute does not pertain to units transporting patients. According to the newspaper, the single crewed vehicles will help especially in rural areas where volunteer medics staff EMS units. Ohio Fire Chiefs Association past president Bernard Ingles said responders will no longer have to wait for partners to arrive before starting for the call scene. Personnel can meet up on site, thereby allowing the patient faster access to care.

** The California paramedic, beaten into a coma at a Dodger Stadium baseball game in March, has spoken for the first time. Fox 40 (September 22) said Bryan Stow, 42, recounted his name, birthdate, and children’s names when asked by doctors. According to the newspaper, Stow is able to speak by accessing a valve on his tracheal tube. His improvement comes some 2 weeks after a shunt was placed in his brain to relieve pressure. The main problem now is to prevent blood clots from entering his lungs. Because of the mounting medical expenses, a trust fund has been established to aid the Stow family. Please see www.sfpcu.org for more information.