** Rural/Metro Corp. in the US close to declaring bankruptcy?
** New Jersey authorities investigating laser pointing incident involving air ambulance
UNITED STATES NEWS
** Rural/Metro Corp., one of the nation’s largest ambulance providers, is allegedly close to declaring bankruptcy. That is the contention of an article in the Wall Street Journal (Emily Glazer/Matt Wirz/Mike Spector/July 31) which said the eventuality could come to pass within the next couple of weeks after the company failed to meet a July 15th $15.6 million interest payment. According to the newspaper, the EMS provider is now in a 30-day grace period. Dwindling revenue from ambulance trips, as well as a leveraged buyout and its accompanying heavy debt load are to blame for the predicament. Attempts are being made to allow for the organization’s continued operation under bankruptcy protection. Rural/Metro employs more than 10,000 people in 21 states.
** Authorities in Atlantic City, New Jersey continue to investigate whether or not a laser pointer was aimed at a medical chopper July 24th. The Press of Atlantic City (Joe Landau/July 24) said the pilot of an air ambulance helicopter claims mutliple green lights emanating from the ground were obscuring his vision as he approached AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Campus. Loaded with patients at the time, the aircraft was, nevertheless, able to make a safe landing. If found, the culprits of the stunt could face a max of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the federal crime.
