Tuesday, March 26, 2013

** Ontario ambulance service gets state-of-the art uniforms, brass says

** Jibes against BC air ambulance service just keep coming

CANADA NEWS

** Ontario paramedics working in Northumberland County are apparently about to be outfitted with pathogen and fire resistant uniforms, after their current ones were deemed a compromise to health and safety. That is the word from the Northumberland News (John Campbell/March 24) which said 100 practitioners will be given the new clothing at a cost of $160,000. According to the newspaper, the attire is being dubbed state-of-the-art and includes one jacket, five shirts, and three pairs of pants. Treated to kill pathogens, the material also does not allow for the penetration of bodily fluids. EMS chief Tarmo Uukkivi said current uniforms are also prone to overheating. In addition, he said the reflective material was not readily visible in low light. Uukkivi said the new approach will save the service an estimated $20,000 in annual uniform replacement costs.

** Mere days after BC’s air ambulance services came under fire from the auditor-general, another group is also chiming in with criticism. News1130 (March 25) quoted Canadian Taxpayers Federation Director Jordan Bateman as saying the medevac service is a money waster and one that potentially puts patient welfare at risk. According to the news station, Bateman said a donor funded model would improve matters, following similar systems set up in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. He said current air ambulance service in the province will cost $75 million more over the next eight years than in Alberta.