** South Carolina paramedic drowns while out boating
** Five New York medics and firefighters taken to hospital after being overcome by call site noxious substance
UNITED STATES NEWS
** A South Carolina paramedic is dead after drowning Saturday while out boating with his family. The Morning News (Traci Bridges/August 18) said the remains of Jeffrey Brandon Brigman, 29, were recovered the following day from Lake Mario. Florence resident Brigman, who was also a volunteer firefighter, worked for Carolina MedCare and was remembered as a man with a sense of humor who always brandished a smile. Funeral services are expected to be held Friday.
** Five New York paramedics and firefighters were transported to hospital Tuesday after a cardiac arrest call ended with them being overcome by toxic fumes. The New York Daily News (Joseph Stepansky/August 20) said the 9:40 p.m. call in Fresh Meadows played out with the responders reacting to a liquid substance contained in a bottle. According to the newspaper, the concoction is believed to have been devised by the patient who allegedly used it to commit suicide. The unidentified man died at the scene. Police have so far declined to identify the substance, but did say they have the shipping box in which it arrived at the residence.
