Monday, March 19, 2012

** Manitoba medics want to limit consecutive work hours

** Alabama medic suing City of Valley over what he says is first amendment violation

CANADA NEWS

** A rural organization representing Manitoba paramedics is lobbying to limit EMS working hours. That is the word from the CBC (March 15) which quoted Manitoba Government Employees Union (MGEU) rep Wayne Chacun as saying toiling time should be capped at a maximum of 16 hours. Chacun, who hails from Virden, said on-call duties can make work grueling, extending sometimes to as much as 20 or even 21 hours consecutively. Noting exhausted medics can make mistakes with both driving and medication administration , Chacun’s idea is backed up by researchers. Toronto scientist Blair Bigham, who works out of St. Michael’s Hospital, said fatigue studies have shown the likelihood of paramedics erring due to tiredness increases after 12 straight hours of work. Manitoba Emergency Preparedness and Response Director Gerry Delorme, meanwhile, said Chacun’s suggestion is under consideration.

UNITED STATES NEWS

** An Alabama paramedic is suing the City of Valley after claiming his first amendment rights were violated. The Courthouse News Service (Dan McCue/March 16) said Scott Hail launched his federal suit after being fired for encouraging co-workers via Facebook to attend an October 2011 council meeting discussing the EMS department’s elimination. According to the newspaper, the city’s mayor first engaged in a war of words on the Internet before turfing Hamil for insubordination, conduct unbecoming, and abusive conduct. The City Council upheld the mayor’s decision, saying Valley’s interest in promoting public service efficiency outweighed Hamil’s right to free speech.