Thursday, December 27, 2012

** Quebec paramedics begin strike action

** Illinois man gets off with slap on the wrist after attacking 2 female paramedics

CANADA NEWS

** Quebec paramedics began strike action Christmas Eve. That is the word from CJAD 800 (December 24) which said the symbolic walk out occurred after talks between the practitioners’ union and Urgences Sante broke down Saturday. According to the news station, wages are the main issue. The action involves some 2,500 providers, more than 800 of whom cover Montreal and Laval. Despite the industrial action, however, ambulance service remained largely unaffected due to an essential services agreement. Medics have been without a contract since 2010.

UNITED STATES NEWS

** Chicago’s EMS/fire union has vowed to lobby for tougher penalties for those who attack emergency responders after one such culprit walked out of court virtually scot free last week. NBC Chicago (Phil Rogers/December 20) said Bartlett resident Jonathan Soto was convicted on a mere misdemeanor charge for a May 21, 2011 assault on two female paramedics. According to the newspaper, Soto feigned unconsciousness due to intoxication until inside the ambulance at which point he bit, kicked, and punched at the women. He then grabbed one of the providers around the neck, attempting to choke her. Arrested after fleeing the EMS unit, he was originally charged with aggravated battery which carries up to five years in jail as a penalty. A bench trial, however, resulted in a sentence of only 20 days of community service and one year of supervision. Union spokesman Tom Ryan said he was aghast that the system allows such leniency. Paramedic Margaret Heckman, meanwhile, who was one of Soto’s victims, said the law is not strong enough to deter such assaults.