Tuesday, February 28, 2012

** Arizona EMT surrenders to police after two day standoff

** Alberta Liberal slams province’s ambulance system

UNITED STATES NEWS

** A Flagstaff, Arizona EMT is in police custody after surrendering Sunday morning following a two day standoff. MyfoxPhoenix (February 28) said Coconino County provider Mark Anton, 38, faces charges related to threatening and intimidation. According to the news site, police involvement began Friday evening after Anton argued with his roommate and family members. Along with threatening police, he also appeared to be maneuvering for a suicide by cop scenario. Following several hours of discussions with police, Anton eventually gave himself up. Trained in EMS, he is also a former sheriff’s deputy.

CANADA NEWS

** An Alberta opposition MP has slammed the province’s ambulance system, saying it needs a complete overhaul. Inews880 (February 25) quoted Liberal health critic David Swan as saying EMS needs an immediate influx of new staff, at the same time as requiring an increase in vehicles. Swan said the system worked better before centralization several years ago. He said both short term and long term planning must be undertaken to fix the problem.