** Victorian government in Australia seeks to increase penalties for those who attack paramedics and other health care workers
** Georgia man hit with slew of charges after attacking medics, police
AUSTRALIA NEWS
** At least three years in jail could be the penalty for individuals in Victoria who intentionally seriously injure paramedics, police, or firefighters. The Herald Sun (June 25) said the idea is contained in proposed legislation introduced by the state Attorney General. According to the newspaper, the potential statute also covers prison guards, lifeguards, ER nurses, and doctors. If passed, the new law would additionally hand murderers of emergency personnel a 30 year prison term. Attorney General Robert Clark said a similar mandatory sentencing approach taken in West Australia dipped assaults on police by 40 per cent.
UNITED STATES NEWS
** A Georgia man has earned a slew of charges after he attacked two EMTs attempting to aid him last week. WRGA (June 26) said Floyd County resident Joe Ben Mullinix, 21, assaulted the medics after the latter had been called on June 20th to the local jail to treat a head wound. According to the news station, Mullinix kicked one provider in the chest and back, while the other took a blow to the neck. He also kicked a police officer in the head. Eventually restrained, Mullinix has been tagged with terroristic threats and acts, obstruction of officers x 2, and interference with emergency medical personnel x 2. There is no word yet on his next court date.
