Thursday, March 14, 2013

** Indiana set to fast track EMS licences for former combat medics

** Mistrial declared in case of female Massachusetts firefighter accused of murdering female paramedic partner

UNITED STATES NEWS

** A bill allowing former military medics to be certified as EMTs has now passed the House of Representatives in Indiana. That is the word from Inside Indiana Business (March 12) which said the proposed statute, sponsored by State Senator Lindel Hume (D-Princeton), will now head to the senate for approval. According to the news site, the legislation will permit the Indiana EMS Commission to issue the licences after soldiers with prior medical experience pass specified tests. Those requiring additional training may be given temporary licences. Hume said the potential law will go a long way in addressing the high unemployment rate experienced by returning servicemen.

** The case of a former female Massachusetts firefighter alleged to have murdered her lesbian paramedic partner has been declared a mistrial. WWLP (March 13) said jurors deliberating over the fate of Cara Rintala could not come to a unanimous verdict as to whether or not she strangled Annamarie Cochrane Rintala in March of 2010. The case was handed to the jury late last week, but members indicated Wednesday that they were hopelessly deadlocked. Throughout the trial, prosecutors alleged Rintala murdered Annemarie because of stress over the duo’s finances. Considered married under a recent state law, the pair had separated previously and divorce filings had been initiated on two separate occasions. There is no word yet on the date for a retrial.