** UK medic struck off from practicing after stealing morphine
** Australian man high on synthetic cannabis attacks paramedic
UNITED KINGDOM NEWS
** A Norwich paramedic has been struck off from practicing after being found guilty of obtaining drugs from her service for her own use. EDP 24 (August 19) said Tracey Angel, an 11 year veteran of the East of England Ambulance Service, had her license pulled last week. According to the newspaper, Angel stole 167 morphine vials during a 5 month period in 2011. Then to cover her tracks, she allegedly falsified and damaged drug records. In addition to undertaking the thefts on days-on, she also donned her uniform to access the meds on off days. Angel was dismissed from her job following an internal investigation. Though she did not attend the Health and Care Professions Council hearing, she can still appeal the ruling.
AUSTRALIA NEWS
** September 5th has been set as the court date for a Queensland man charged with assault for allegedly shaking an attending paramedic. The Brisbane Times (Kim Stephens/August 18) said the Saturday attack in Townsville played out after EMS was sent to an emergency call around 10:20 p.m. As the medic attempted to render care to one man, a second man became agitated and grabbed the practitioner. He then repeatedly shook him. The assailant, 25, was arrested. Police said they believe he was high on synthetic cannabis at the time. The extent of the paramedic’s injuries remains unclear. Authorities, however, continue to investigate.
