** Former Ground Zero EMT in New York dies from WTC related illness
** Texas paramedics empowered to take blood samples from patients believed to be intoxicated
UNITED STATES NEWS
** Yet another EMT life has been claimed by cancer contracted during Ground Zero rescue work. WABC (September 1) said Brooklyn EMT Francis Charles, 68, was remembered Sunday in Fort Greene by friends and colleagues. Charles died in late August. Retiring in 2010 due to his illness, he had served 24 years with the Fire Department of New York. He leaves behind a wife, two children, and two grandchildren.
** Texas paramedics can now take blood samples from patients believed to be intoxicated from alcohol or drugs. That is the word from Action 4 News (September 1) which said a new law allowing the practice became active Sunday. According to the news site, the tests can be done at the request of a police officer.
