Wednesday, May 23, 2012

** Family of deceased New York LODD lobbies for harsher penalties for those who murder first responders

** Scottish Ambulance Service gets funding to upgrade EMS fleet

UNITED STATES NEWS

** The family of a New York LODD is lobbying for a bill that would increase punishment for those who kill first responders. The Watertown Daily Times (Brian Amaral/May 22) said relatives of EMT Mark B. Davis gathered yesterday in Albany to support a bill put forward by State Senator Patricia A. Ritchie (R-Heuvelton). Ritchie’s proposed legislation would see first degree murder charges automatically laid against those who deliberately take the life of an emergency medical responder. Davis’ sister, Maricia L. Astafan, who graduated from paramedic school Saturday, said the statute might serve as a deterrent to those inclined to target prehospital workers. Ritchie, meanwhile, agreed, saying she expects the bill upon passage to send a strong message that violence toward public safety personnel will not be tolerated. Davis, who was shot to death in Cape Vincent while responding to a call, died in 2009.

UNITED KINGDOM NEWS

** The Scottish Ambulance Service will see upgrades to its fleet with some 34 million pounds allocated to replace 600 aging vehicles. The BBC (May 19) said the funds would be handed over between now and 2016. According to the news service, the cash will go towards paying for 326 accident and emergency units, as well as 250 new patient transport and support cars. Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said the move is aimed at assisting ambulance personnel to do exemplary work with state of the art equipment.