Wednesday, May 16, 2012

** New Zealand ambulance service considering alternatives to patient transport policies

** Alabama medic cleared of manslaughter charges

NEW ZEALAND NEWS

** Fiscal restraint could drive a new St. John Ambulance policy that would see restrictions placed on the number of patients transported by EMS. That is the word from The Press (Nicole Mathewson/May 11) which said alternative approaches such as GP referrals could replace hospital visits. According to the newspaper, other strategies could also include on-scene treatment for minor injuries and over-the-phone medical advice. Of the 1000 calls answered every day by St. John, only about 10-15 per cent are considered critical patients. Service chief executive James Wood said although 2012 could see a 4.5 per cent increase in call volumes, government funding for the organization would not likewise jump.

UNITED STATES NEWS

** An Alabama medic charged with manslaughter after hitting a car driver while texting has been found not guilty. The Birmingham News (Toraine Norris/May 10) said Sherrie Denise Varnon, 40, formerly of Jefferson County’s Rural Metro Ambulance, was given the ruling Thursday. According to the newspaper, Varnon was charged in the November 5, 2009 death of Norma Alexander after she struck Alexander’s vehicle from the rear. The EMS unit was not on an emergency run at the time but was travelling around 87 mph. In arguing on Varnon’s behalf, her attorney said the collision occurred after Alexander’s vehicle crossed the center line.