** Memorial service held for Texas paramedic killed in motorcycle crash
** Ontario politician blasts health minister for Ornge air ambulance failings
UNITED STATES NEWS
** Memorial services took place Tuesday for a Texas paramedic killed July 11th in a motorcycle crash near Amarillo. The Amarillo Globe-News (July 15) said the commemoration for Derek Wade Brewster, 37, was held at The Colonies’ The Church of Christ. According to the newspaper, Brewster had worked ambulance in the city for 15 years. He had previously served as the director of Pampa EMS and worked as a paramedic at the Boys Ranch. He leaves behind a wife of 11 years, Leslie, and son, Dylan. A benefit fund for Dylan has been set up at the city’s National Bank branch.
CANADA NEWS
** The Monday release of a scathing report into Ontario’s Ornge air ambulance service has prompted one politician to point the finger of blame at the province’s health minister. The Newmarket Era (Chris Traber/July 17) quoted Newmarket MPP Frank Klees as saying Deb Matthews and her deputy Saad Rafi failed to provide proper oversight for the service. According to the newspaper, Klees said Matthews defended the organization during recent public accounts committee hearings. He said this was despite other witnesses claiming under oath that Ornge mismanagement was placing people at risk. Klees’ anger comes three days after the provincial coroner released a report on Ornge compiled after a year of investigation. According to the tome, the air ambulance service was at least partically responsible for 8 deaths of 40 cases scrutinized. Twenty-five recommendations were made for improvement. Klees said while gratifying, the review may not have discerned all instances where operational problems at the service contributed to patient deaths.
