Wednesday, January 4, 2012

** Australian LODD medic laid to rest

** Winnipeg man facing impaired driving charges after hitting paramedic

AUSTRALIA NEWS

** Friends and colleagues of LODD New South Wales air medic Mick Wilson gathered in Sydney Tuesday to pay tribute to his life. The Northern Star (January 4) said along with a religious observance at St. James Church, a memorial service was also conducted in Lismore at the Northern Region Westpac Life Saver Rescue helicopter base. According to the newspaper, Wilson, 41, died Christmas Eve during a winching operation gone wrong. After hitting a cliff face while attempting to rescue a stranded hiker, his line had to be severed. Noted as a fine person, Wilson was also remembered as a quiet, but competent EMS technician. He leaves three children behind.

CANADA NEWS

** Winnipeg police have arrested a 64-year-old man after he allegedly knocked down a paramedic with his car Monday while the latter was attending an MVA. CTV (January 3) said the man, who was not identified, faces charges including impaired driving causing bodily harm, as well as driving over .08. According to the news site, the man’s pickup truck first hit another vehicle before plowing into the EMS responder. Although transported to hospital, the medic suffered non life threatening injuries. The ambulance was loaded with two patients at the time.