Tuesday, September 27, 2011

** Ontario EMS and fire organizations competing to maintain financing under shrinking budgets

** UK medic struck off after bombarding female co-workers with elicit photos of himself

CANADA NEWS

** EMS and fire responders in Ontario are apparently starting to duke it out over who is the more qualified prehospital provider. CBC News (September 23) said organizations representing both workers have launched public campaigns claiming expertise in the area. According to the news service, fire’s drive to see firefighters dispatched on every emergency medical call began in July. Medics, alternately, started countering the claim last week, saying EMS providers are uniquely qualified to treat patients. The tactics are apparently being spurred by potential impending budget cuts. Currently, Ottawa, for example, spends twice as much on fire services as it does on EMS. Aware of the high costs involved, fire pundits told the CBC, although expensive, their service was faster at response times and more versatile.

UNITED KINGDOM NEWS

** An East Midlands paramedic has been struck off for sending elicit pictures of himself to female co-workers. That is the word from the Sunday Mercury (Johnny Greatrex/September 25) which said Robert Sibcy, who worked in Loughborough, continued the bombardment even when told to refrain. According to the newspaper, Sibcy attempted to claim a relationship with the women. Spanning a period of six years, the offensive emails, texts, and Facebook messages eventually prompted a female EMS manager to act when tipped off by one of the victims. Sibcy, who began working in prehospital care in 1998, did not show at the hearing.