** Nova Scotia medics set to strike Friday?
** Nebraska medic shot by patient while in ambulance
CANADA NEWS
** Paramedic picket lines could be going up as early as Friday for Nova Scotia paramedics. That is the word from the CBC (July 3) which said 800 unionized medics may legally walk off the job that day. According to the news site, no talks with the employer are currently scheduled and the provincial government is remaining mum on actions it will take in the event of a work stoppage. To date, EMS practitioners have rejected three separate contract offers. Wages are the main issue. The news site said practitioners are seeking a 15 per cent pay hike over three years. The recent tentative proposal offered 11.1 per cent over five.
UNITED STATES NEWS
** An Omaha, Nebraska paramedic continues to recover out of hospital after being shot by a patient while in his ambulance Monday. The World-Herald (Emerson Claridge/Maggie O’Brien/July 3) said EMT Brock Borhart was tending to the female seizure patient in the rear of the unit around 3 p.m. when the woman pulled a gun, sparking a struggle. The firearm discharged, creating a superficial abdominal wound in Borhart. The woman, Justine Dubois, 24, however, remains in fair condition in hospital. Police say at the time of the incident Dubois was wanted on a warrant for criminal impersonation. She is also potentially being sought in connection with a stolen vehicle.
