** UK paramedic dies while diving in Maldives
** Virginia EMS union could take legal action over holiday pay overpayment correction
UNITED KINGDOM NEWS
** A paramedic doing charity work in the Maldives drowned Sunday while snorkeling. That is the word from The Bournemouth Echo (Jim Durkin/March 17) which said South Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust Foundation practitioner Dai Reeves likely blacked out while underwater. According to the newspaper, Reeves, who hailed from Poole, was in the Maldives to assist area EMS in improving service. Several paramedics were with him on his expedition, trying, but failing to resuscitate him. A spokesman for his service said Reeves was a friendly, well respected practitioner. Funeral services are pending the return of his remains to Britain.
UNITED STATES NEWS
** Paramedics and firefighters in Suffolk, Virginia have apparently been overpaid to the tune of thousands of dollars in holiday pay. That is the contention of The Virginian-Pilot (Scott Daugherty/March 17) which quoted city Chief of Staff Debbie George as saying a miscalculation saw the administration erroneously pay out $336,000 in each of the last three years to 110 firefighters and EMTs. George said repayment would not be sought, but said the error has now been corrected. Her explanation did not sit well, however, with fire union president Travis Pierce. Pierce said many members disagree they have been overpaid. Saying any change would effectively amount to a pay cut, he said legal action is being considered.
