** Trial begins for Wisconsin EMT accused of sexually assaulting female patient
** Nova Scotia upgrading ambulance fleet
UNITED STATES NEWS
** The trial of a Wisconsin EMT, accused of sexually assaulting a female seizure patient, began Monday. The Journal Times (Kristen Zambo/August 27) said Somers Fire and Rescue medic Jodin D. Froeber, 38, has pleaded not guilty to the charges. According to the newspaper, Froeber allegedly assaulted the 20-year-old woman on July 19, 2011 as she was being transported to hospital. If convicted, Froeber could face a maximum of five years in prison, an extended supervision period post incarceration and a $25,000 fine. Charged last August, he has since been on paid administrative leave from his job. Along with photographing the female patient after pushing her shirt up, Froeber’s purported victim told police he also fondled her genitals beneath her underwear.
CANADA NEWS
** Nova Scotia is apparently upgrading its EMS fleet. The Canadian Press (Cape Breton Post/August 27) said the service will lease 150 new units this fall. According to the newspaper, the province signed the deal with Yarmouth based Tri-Star Industries. Worth $31.4 million, the eight year procurement contract also includes a refit after four years have elapsed. The new vehicles will be lighter than current prehospital rigs, with reflective graphics for enhanced visibility.
